Director of Historic Sites, New Mexico Dept of Cultural Affairs

The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), one of the most ambitious state cultural agencies in the nation, seeks a passionate, experienced leader to serve as Director of the New Mexico Historic Sites division.

This governor-appointed position leads a division with a $4.2 million annual budget and 46 employees for the management and operation of eight New Mexico's historic sites, ensuring their preservation, interpretation, and accessibility for present and future generations. The sites under the Director’s purview include:

• Bosque Redondo Memorial at the Ft. Sumner Historic Site, De Baca County
• Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo, Sandoval County
• Jemez Historic Site in Jemez Springs, Sandoval County
• Ft. Selden Historic Site, Doña Ana County
• Ft. Stanton Historic Site, Lincoln County 
• Lincoln Historic Site, Lincoln County 
• Los Luceros Historic Site, Rio Arriba County
• Taylor Mesilla Historic Site, Doña Ana County

About the New Mexico Historic Sites Division

Historic Sites is a division of the DCA, whose mission is building a more vibrant, resilient New Mexico by improving the quality of life, supporting a culturally rich education, strengthening the creative economy, fostering a diversity of expression, and preserving our cultural resources. In addition to eight historic sites, DCA comprises seven museums, a cultural center, the state arts agency, historic preservation, archaeology, and the state library.

The Historic Sites system was established on March 14, 1931 by an Act for the Preservation of the Scientific Resources of New Mexico, H.B. No. 124. Section 2 of the Act authorized the Commissioner of the State Land Office, on the recommendation of the Science Commission and with the approval of the Commissioner of Public Lands to "declare by public proclamation that historic and prehistoric structures and other objects of scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the State of New Mexico, shall be state monuments, and may reserve as a part thereof such parcels of land as may be necessary to the proper care and management of the objects to be protected."

Nearly 100 years since its founding, the Historic Sites division continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the state's rich cultural heritage.

Director of Historic Sites, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has the following primary responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Direction
2. Management and Operations 
3. Fundraising and Donor Relations 
4. Public Advocacy 
5. Constituent Relations
   
   

The Ideal Candidate

We are searching for a dynamic and collaborative leader with a proven track record in historic site management, museum administration, or a closely related field.

Our ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications: 

• Minimum of ten years of experience in a senior leadership role within the cultural, museum, education, parks and monuments, and/or historic preservation fields, with ideally at least five years directly overseeing historic sites. 
• Demonstrated ability to administer complex organizations serving diverse audiences and constituencies. 
• Commitment to and track record fostering equity and belonging in cultural organizations. 
• Knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous communities. 
• Strong leadership and communication skills, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. 
• Proven success in interpretive and strategic planning. 
• In-depth knowledge of best practices for historic sites/properties including collections management, interpretation, and visitor services. 
• Commitment to and knowledge of historic preservation principles and methodologies. 
• Passion for the history and culture of New Mexico, the West/Southwest. A strong understanding of the unique cultural heritage of New Mexico and a demonstrated affinity for working with Western communities is highly desirable. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences. 
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. 
• Desire to travel throughout New Mexico, with overnight stays required, to interact with site managers, review work progress, address staff concerns, and ensure smooth operations. 

A Competitive Benefits Package

The location of this position is negotiable but must be based at any of the Historic Sites or other DCA facilities statewide. New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs offers a competitive salary of $120,000 along with a generous benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement savings plan, and paid time off.

For more information, see https://nmhistoricsites.org/

You may also visit: https://nmculture.org/about/employment/

Application deadline is Monday, September 30, 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.