Job Description

Job Title:

Director of the Museum of the Big Bend

Location:

Alpine

Department:

Museum Operations

Job No.:

Position: 999965

Posting Date:

06/26/2025

Until Filled:

Yes

Appointment Date:

10/01/2025

Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Required:

Eight plus years of progressive professional experience, with at least five years in museum management or operations required.
Substantial senior leadership experience within a museum, art-focused nonprofit or private sectors reflecting demonstrated knowledge of key functions of senior management preferred, including: Financial management. Development. Board/staff relations & accountability. Marketing and communications. Volunteer relations. Program development & implementation and evaluation. Possess strong negotiating & problem-solving skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet software, internet software; email; and database software..

Any qualifications to be considered in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Human Resources Director. Preferred:

Masters degree. Fluency in Spanish. Fund raising experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

Summary
Responsible for the Museum of the Big Bend (MoBB) achieving its mission to serve and educate the public by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting the cultural, historic and natural materials that relate to the prehistory, history and cultural diversity of the Big Bend Region of Texas and Mexico. This position provides strong leadership overseeing both the day-to-day activities and long-term initiatives and commits Museum resources with the utmost integrity so as to maximize impact consistent with the Museums vision, goals and policies. As the primary ambassador for the Museum, the Director is charged with establishing the Museum as an important asset for the University internally and in the surrounding regional community, and for securing financial resources that will sustain its operations and advance its special projects.
The Director also ensures that the work of the Museum supports the overarching University mission and strategic plan, that it is astrong partner to other University departments, centers, and institutes, and that its practices are consistent with Sul Ross State University and the Texas State University System policies. The director will research opportunities to create a Museum Studies program, which will create stronger connections with the academic division of the University.

Duties Strategic Vision: Inconjunction with University leadership, the Museum staff and the Directors Advisory Council, the Director is charged with implementing the current strategic vision which has three primary components: Manage the new Emmett and Miriam McCoy building as an exemplary special exhibitions and event venue and as a University and community gathering space in a manner that generates revenue to advance broader Museum and institutional strategies; and Prepare for and then oversee the updating of physical plant, security and lighting systems, creation of a Texas Map Research Center, upgrading the Womack Education Room and reinterpretation and reinstallation of the permanent exhibition in the existing Museum facility, leveraging collections to update and enhance exhibitions and programming through the NEH Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge Grant; and Expand Museum collaboration with University academic departments and regional art community. These should include exploring the possibility of developing specialized academic programs, increase participation with Chinati and Judd Foundations, and others in the region, to positively impact student academic experiences and the Museums regional relevance.
Operational Management: Oversee plans for, and achievement of, operational goals including those for curatorial and collections management, exhibitions and education programming, internal and external event management, fundraising and marketing, facilities management, volunteer management, IT and technology services, and retail operations.

Financial Management Direct and be accountable for the Museums finances by establishing, overseeing and managing operational and program budgets and expenditures ensuring the integrity & completeness of financial information systems, processes, internal controls & reporting. Collaborate with the Universitys Finance Office and key staff to plan for and provide realistic and achievable financial goals and budgets that meet strategic and programmatic objectives. Make certain that timely and accurate financial reporting and program outcomes are readily provided to University leadership and key staff members regularly, and to the DirectorsAdvisory Council, as requested. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state & local laws & regulations.
Development: Partner with the SRSU Development Office to design and execute coordinated fundraising strategies that encompass general operating and program support, membership, sponsorships and special events garnering philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, corporations and government agencies. Be able to communicate well with donors to help secure contributions and work with the Directors Advisory Council to support their efforts to secure contributed revenue for MoBB. Manage a Development, Membership & Marketing Manager to expand the annual giving and membership efforts of the Museum to ensure that contributed income is increased and sustainable.
Marketing & Communications: Help guide the organizations marketing and communications providing effective and regular communications to internal and external stakeholders. The Director is the principal spokesperson for MoBB and must proactively reinforce and articulate the mission internally and externally with all constituents (visitors, donors, members, educators, local and regional civic, cultural and business leaders, etc.). Build and maintain effective ongoing, transparent communication with colleagues, students and faculty across University departments. Work with the SRSU Office of University Communications to ensure Museum exhibitions, programs, event opportunities, etc. are regularly included in its outreach and marketing efforts including those to alumni, independent school districts, the tourism industry and other regionally prominent partners whose audiences align with the Museum, i.e., Big Bend National Park, the Chinati Foundation, etc. Develop close working relationships with key local institutions and individuals including the City of Alpine, and important community organizations in Alpine and the surrounding region. Explore partnership initiatives that are consistent with MoBBs mission, vision and values.
Staff Leadership: Provide effective leadership to ensure MoBB staff and volunteers are equipped and motivated to successfully discharge their responsibilities, consistent with the goals and budget guidelines set. Ensure that the Museum is right sized and that it has the staff needed to grow both in stature and revenue. Manage staff in adherence with sound human resources practices and guidelines and in accordance with SRSU policies. Identify professional development needs of staff and seek avenues to support those needs. Effectively develop and maintain staff accountability for meeting metrics and building capacity to take on new challenges.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Must be highly self-motivated and able to work independently while also serving as an effective team leader and team player. Must be able to carry out supervisory responsibilities of a team in accordance with the Museums and the Universitys policies and applicable federal, state and municipal laws. Recruit and train employees to build, motivate, and retain ahigh performing team. Accurately evaluate performance. Address personnel complaints swiftly. Resolve problems fairly.
StoreManagement: Oversee the operations of the Museum store across areas of inventory procurement, efficiency, profitability, and customer experience. The Director, in collaboration with the Office and Gift Shop Coordinator, should set long term goals for enhancing the retail enterprise resulting in improved profitability to support the mission.
Volunteer Relations: Recognize and publicly acknowledge the essential role played by volunteers in MoBBs operations. Support and originate recruitment initiatives that strengthen and grow the volunteer base. Ensure that training is meaningful and appropriate, that the volunteer experience is a favorable one, and that volunteer loyalty to the organization grows.
DirectorsAdvisoryCouncilRelations: Work with Council members to ensure strong partner relationships that will increase interest and involvement in Museum programs and initiatives and attract new members who bring talent and contributions to the organization. Maintain a transparent relationship with the Council regarding all aspects of the operation alerting it on a timely basis regarding any issues, opportunities, or challenges.
Other duties as assigned. Supervision Received: Position reports to Vice President for University Advancement.
Given: Supervises museum staff including staff, students and community volunteers.

Working Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk long distances; sit; lift heavy objects; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Exempt from overtime provisions. Position is Security Sensitive.
Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice safe work habits at all times. Other Information:

Texas Law requires a 60 day waiting period before new state employees are eligible to enroll in health insurance.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing stulife@sulross.edu About SRSU:

Our campuses span a fascinating part of TexasAlpine, in the heart of the beautiful Big Bend area, and Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde along the vibrant, bicultural Texas/Mexico border.

What youve heard is true there is something very special about the areas we serve in our great State, and Sul Ross State University is vital to the continued growth and progress of our students and the communities we serve.

Sul Ross State provides students with the education they need to translate their passions into a fulfilling career. This life-changing experience has a multi-generational impact, transforming the lives of our students, their families and positively impacting the communities in which they reside. We value learning and strive to provide high quality education in a welcoming, supportive environment. We take pride in the fact that we serve a diverse population including many first-generation college students as well as non-traditional students, international students, student-athletes and graduate students.

From teaching, coaching and law enforcement, to science, ranch management and the Fine Arts, SRSU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known as the Frontier University of Texas, Sul Ross encourages each student to explore their own frontiers and to exceed their educational, personal and professional goals.

For more information about how were strategizing for the future, I invite you to visit .

Sul Ross State University

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Long distance,

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