Executive Director of the NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

Job Description

Executive Director

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces, a division of the State of New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), is looking to fill the position of Executive Director with an exceptional individual who has a deep understanding and passion for agriculture—the foundation of society, which affects everyone’s quality of life—coupled with relevant museum administration experience. This individual must have previous administrative experience in a museum or institution of related character. The museum connects the present generation to the history of farming and ranching in New Mexico, inspiring a deeper appreciation and understanding of the state’s rich heritage. This is a Governor Exempt position.

The museum has yearly attendance of around 84,000 in paid visitation and educational outreach participation, and an annual budget of approximately $1.9 million, generated from public and private sources. The Director is responsible for the programmatic, operational, and financial management of the museum complex, containing multiple buildings and structures on a 47-acre campus.

The exterior contains over 25 acres exhibiting and interpreting the animals, crops, and methods of modern production agriculture in New Mexico. There are four large barns, numerous cattle pens, alleys, and associated structures housing living collections of cattle and sheep. The major interior element is the 95,000 sq. ft. Bruce King Museum Building which houses over 15,000 historic artifacts interpreting the 4,000 year-old history of agriculture in New Mexico, as well as a gift shop, catering concession, meeting rooms, auditorium, and office space.

Position Summary: The Executive Director is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary of DCA and works with an 11-member governing board appointed by the Governor. The Director should have demonstrated ability in the administration of complex organizations serving multiple constituencies and audiences. The director shall be a person with previous administrative experience in a museum or institution of related character and shall have a degree, or the equivalent thereof, in one or more fields of agriculture from an institution of higher learning. Candidates must have a successful record in strategic planning, grant-writing, management, and fundraising. The Director coordinates efforts with the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum Inc., an independent 501(c)(3). The Director leads a staff of 25 state employees, supplemented by approximately 100 volunteers.

Job Duties: Administer and operate the museum in accordance with applicable statutes and rules. Maintain, lead, and motivate staff and volunteers. Directly supervise three senior staff members: the Deputy Director, Curatorial Supervisor, and Farm & Ranch Supervisor. Provide for the fiscal responsibility of the division. Ensure that fiscal staff are trained and proficient in all aspects of budget preparation, budget management, and procurement requirements. Propose budgets for operations and capital improvements, in conjunction with DCA initiatives, priorities, and yearly legislative efforts. Oversee the development of exhibits and programs of an educational nature for the benefit of the public, particularly students. Exhibits and programs should be cost effective, with the goal of being self-sustaining and increasing revenue. Direct research, preservation, and conservation of the collections for the benefit of the public. Recommend acquisitions to the board, by donation or other means, of collections and related materials appropriate to the mission of the museum. Increase public support for the museum and its programs by enhancing marketing strategies and increasing visibility. Build visitation, education, and outreach through new and existing public educational programs and exhibits. Deepen partnerships with other regional cultural institutions, especially with other DCA divisions, including resource sharing, marketing, cross-promotion of programs and activities, and the development of regional educational and public programs. Enhance the relationship between the museum and the Friends of the NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Inc., to increase financial support for museum programs and ensure coordination of efforts in pursuit of public and private funding. Increase earned revenue through admissions, public program fees, rental concessions and other initiatives, with assistance from the Friends and in coordination with DCA priorities. Cooperate with educational institutions, and other agencies and political subdivisions of state, tribal and federal governments to establish, maintain and extend the programs of the museum. Ensure that the museum maintains representation on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board of the City of Las Cruces, Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico State University, City of Las Cruces and its museums, and other community organizations and constituencies.

Characteristics of the Ideal Candidate:  The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is high performing and fiscally stable, with well-trained and dedicated staff and broad community support. The museum is poised for the next level of development and operation. The ideal candidate for this position will possess the knowledge, expertise, and skills to guide the museum forward. Key qualities of the successful candidate are:

·         Previous administrative experience in a museum or institution of related character.

·         Knowledge and understanding of museum management, operation, and best practices.

·         Innovation in exhibit and public programs that combine a traditional museum setting, living collections, and a modern cattle operation to tell the history of New Mexico farming and ranching in a dynamic manner.

·         Entrepreneurship to maximize earned revenue opportunities in alignment with the mission of the museum and its public charge, while serving as a resource to the Friends in pursuing new unearned revenue streams.

·         Relationship-building to continue developing a productive partnership with the board, the Friends, volunteers, and community to strengthen support for the museum.

·         Partnership to expand and build collaboration with other cultural institutions, especially with other DCA divisions across the state.

·         Extensive knowledge and experience in actual farm/ranch procedures and histories particular to New Mexico.

The Director reports to the DCA Cabinet Secretary and should have an authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in staffing, programming, and engagement. Compensation is approximately $120,000 depending on experience, plus benefits and PERA retirement. References upon request.

For more information, see https://www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org/

You may also visit: http://www.nmculture.org/about/employment/executive-director-new-mexico-farm-ranch-heritage-museum

Position is open until filled. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024. Please submit a cover letter and resume to: executive.search@dca.nm.gov. Please contact Jane Egan at 505-469-2417 or jane.egan@dca.nm.gov with questions.

Please note that candidates’ materials submitted in this process may be subject to disclosure under New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act.

The Department of Cultural Affairs is committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment for all candidates and employees and provides equal opportunities in all employment practices without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or childbirth, age, disability, or veteran status.