Executive Director | Las Cruces, NM

Executive Director

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

A Division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Las Cruces, New Mexico

The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum (NMFRHM) 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. This is a Governor Exempt position.

The Executive Director is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary of DCA and works with an 11-member governing board appointed by the Governor. The Executive Director must be a person with previous administrative experience in a museum or other complex organization/institution. The Executive Director must have a degree, or equivalent, in one or more fields of agriculture or a related field, from an institution of higher learning. Candidates should have a successful record in strategic planning, management, grant-writing, and fundraising.

The successful candidate will have a passion for agriculture and how it affects everyone’s quality of life, coupled with relevant administration experience. The Executive 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 Executive Director leads a staff of 20 state employees, supplemented by volunteers, and coordinates efforts with the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, an independent 501(c)(3).

The Executive Director should have a strong commitment to fostering a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all visitors, staff, and community partners. Compensation is approximately $120,000 depending on experience, plus benefits and PERA retirement.

For a complete position description, see: https://nmculture.org/about/employment/

For more information about the museum complex, see: https://www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org/

Compensation: The Executive Director should have a strong commitment to fostering a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all visitors, staff, and community partners. The salary for this position is $120,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package and PERA retirement

While applications will be reviewed until the position is filled, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by May 19, 2025. Please submit a cover letter and resume to: executive.search@dca.nm.gov. 

Please contact Lori Holguin at 575-522-4100 or loria.holguin@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.