Executive Director, New Mexico Arts
For centuries, New Mexico has been a mecca where many and varied cultures have lived side by side, sharing and celebrating their cultural differences. The result — a lush, refreshing texture of styles and designs on the joyful business of living.
Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs represents New Mexico's dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of our state. The Department oversees a broad range of New Mexico's arts and cultural heritage agencies. These include 15 divisions representing a variety of programs and services. Among its primary functions is the management of the largest state sponsored museum system in the country.
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs seeks a vision leader to serve as Executive Director of New Mexico Arts, the statewide arts agency. This forward-thinking individual will develop creative ideas to strengthen, evolve and diversify the agency’s programs, while forging partnerships to address the changing needs of the arts in New Mexico. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management with a staff of 14.5 FTE (full time equivalent) and an annual budget of $1.9 million. The position oversees annual grant programs, statewide percent for public art and various other services; provides leadership and advocacy for the cultural community; builds critical community, constituent and government relationships; leads collaborations and initiatives; and works to significantly increase access to and engagement with the arts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Establish a shared vision, guide strategic direction and provide decisive leadership.
- Work with the Governor-appointed Arts Commission to fulfill its governance function.
- Staff leadership and management – motivate and develop the professional management team. Manage a staff of subject-area experts and provide oversight of major programs/services.
- Oversee preparation of the agency budget and financial management of the agency.
- Advocacy – serve as the chief spokesperson for the agency in the community and state government; articulate and communicate the value of the arts in improving our quality of life, and promote community support of the arts.
- Conduct all business at the highest standard of integrity ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, policies and administrative practices.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience working with statewide arts communities, with technical and sector-specific knowledge, particularly in smaller or grassroots organizations, rural communities, arts learning and inclusion.
- Applied use of current best practices and knowledge of the state-of-the-field.
- Proven ability to collaboratively partner with private, public and nonprofit sectors, artists, staff and elected officials.
- Record of accomplishment in supervising, managing and developing staff with a demonstrated willingness to learn alongside and from staff; a self-reflective leadership approach.
- A strong commitment to constituent service and relationships.
- Key leadership skills, including the ability to articulate vision, energy, charisma and a passion for the agency and the development of the cultural community.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to work with high-level public and private sector officials and maintain effective working relationships.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to handle multiple, concurrent and high priority projects.
Qualified individuals will have a bachelor’s degree in arts administration, public administration and/or other relevant areas, with 5 years of experience. This is an exempt position within state government. Based in Santa Fe, regular statewide travel is required along with occasional attendance at regional and national conferences.