Description

Summary of Position

The City of El Paso is seeking an energetic, entrepreneurial, and proven leader to serve as the Director of the El Paso Museum of Art. The Museum recognizes the region’s diverse cultures through collections, exhibitions, and education programs, and is a vital aesthetic resource. El Paso continues growing as a regional and tourist destination through support from the City and its residents, placing the El Paso Museum of Art at the center of a vibrant and attractive cultural scene. The Director will provide visionary leadership for the Museum and work in partnership with the City and the community to take the organization on a path of continued growth and accomplishment.

About the Museum        

The El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA) is located in the heart of the El Paso Downtown Arts District, and is a major cultural and educational resource for Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Founded in 1959 and relocated to its current 100,000 square foot building in 1998, the Museum holds over 6,500 works in the permanent collection with a focus on the art of Mexico, Europe, and the United States. In addition to displaying works from its holdings, the Museum offers a varied schedule of temporary exhibitions, films, lectures, concerts, and other educational programs. EPMA is the only museum in a 300 mile radius accredited by the American Association of Museums, and serves over 70,000 visitors per year.

EPMA is municipally funded and is under the jurisdiction of the City of El Paso, Texas.  The EPMA Foundation (Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides funding for acquisitions, conservation, education and interpretation, and related areas of Museum functions not provided for by the City of El Paso. The Museum has a $3 million operating budget, and employs 30 full time staff.

About El Paso                 

El Paso stands on the Rio Grande across the border from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico and has a population of approximately 700,000.  The El Paso-Juarez region is the largest bilingual, bi-national work force in the Western Hemisphere, and is the world’s largest international border community with an approximate combined metropolitan population of over 2.6 million.

El Paso has been ranked the safest large city in the U.S. for four consecutive years. Cost of living is relatively low.  El Paso has a desert climate with hot summers and low humidity, and mild, dry winters.  Outdoor recreational activities abound.

The arts have been a catalyst for the redevelopment of downtown El Paso.  Guided by a downtown Master Plan, the City is attracting residential and commercial developments while fostering an energetic economy and vibrant cultural scene.  In 2012, El Paso voters approved a $470 million Quality of Life bond sale to fund improvements in the downtown area, along with parks, museums, libraries, and the El Paso Zoo.

Requirements

Responsibilities               

The Director reports to the City of El Paso Director of Museums and Cultural Affairs, and will have full authority and responsibility as the chief executive officer of EPMA. Responsibilities include:

• Providing a clear vision for the future of the EPMA, building on the strengths of the organization, addressing the needs of the community, and capitalizing on new opportunities
• Aligning the EPMA Strategic Plan with that of the City of El Paso, and working with the City and the community to realize goals and objectives
• Leading and empowering the EPMA staff to develop and implement exhibitions and public programs characterized by quality, impact, efficiency and innovation
• Working with the Foundation to raise funds from individuals, foundations, and corporations in support of public programs and acquisitions, and to grow the endowment
• Stewarding the facility, collections, and operating budget provided by the City of El Paso by developing and maintaining sound management and financial practices and establishing and maintaining effective communications within the EPMA and between City departments
• Establishing and cultivating strong partnerships within the community, across the U.S. Mexico border, and beyond to raise awareness and build audiences
• Establishing successful marketing and awareness of EPMA as a regional, national, and international destination

Ideal Candidate Characteristics                

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Innovative and effective leadership
• A keen interest in the EPMA’s mission
• Entrepreneurial spirit to grow audiences and resources
• Experience in successful fundraising
• Ability to work effectively within a government setting and successfully navigate a public/private partnership
• An open and transparent communications style
• An understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans

Experience/Education

Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Fine Art, Art History or a related field required. A minimum six years of leadership and management experience in an art museum setting including museum exhibition development or design and curatorial experience.

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A benefits package will also be provided.

Application Procedure

Individuals applying for this position should send a letter of interest and resume to:

Museum Management Consultants, Inc.

MMC@museum-management.com

Position open until filled