DCA Employment Opportunities

New Mexico Museum of Space History Executive Director

The New Mexico Museum of Space History, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA), seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead this renowned institution. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of space exploration education in New Mexico.

Located in Alamogordo, near Robert Goddard's historic launch site, the museum is a cornerstone of the state's cultural landscape. Originally established as the International Space Hall of Fame in 1976, the museum celebrates New Mexico's pivotal role in the evolution of space exploration, from early human observations to the modern U.S. Space Program. The campus includes 28,000 square feet of exhibition space, the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium, and research facilities. Serving more than 77,000 visitors and students annually, the museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of space exploration. The Executive Director, a Governor-Exempt appointee, will provide strategic leadership and overall management of the museum and its facilities. Key responsibilities include:

• Stewarding and advancing the museum's mission.
• Providing strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary team.
• Formulating a vision for exhibitions and educational programs.
• Directing the preservation and conservation of collections.
• Ensuring robust financial management.
• Serving as a liaison with key stakeholders.
• Spearheading fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Foundation.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive statewide engagement plan.

Qualifications include: A Master's degree or higher in a relevant field is strongly preferred, along with significant senior management experience, financial and fundraising acumen, visionary program development skills, effective leadership and communication abilities, and a commitment to respectful and equitable practices.

The position offers a $120,000 salary plus benefits and retirement. Alamogordo provides a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere, with proximity to attractions like White Sands National Park.

To apply, submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to executive.search@dca.nm.gov.

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Deadline for initial submission of qualifications is Friday, May 16, 2025. While the position is open until filled, interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by the initial deadline of May 16. 2025.

Executive Director | New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

The New Mexico Farm & 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. A 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).

To apply, please submit a letter of interest articulating your specific interest in the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum and how you envision contributing to our continued success and growth, along with your curriculum vitae, to executive.search@dca.nm.gov. References should be available upon request.

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Deadline for initial submission of qualifications is Monday, May 19, 2025. While the position is open until filled, interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by the initial deadline of May 19, 2025.

Executive Director | New Mexico Museum of Art

The New Mexico Museum of Art (NMMOA), a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, seeks a strategic and experienced Executive Director to lead its iconic institution. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a museum comprised of the historic Plaza building and the newly opened Vladem Contemporary, expanding its capacity to showcase diverse artistic expressions.

The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership, overseeing all aspects of museum operations, including curatorial, education, collections, and administration. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategic plans to enhance visitor engagement, expand community reach, and ensure financial sustainability. The role requires fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, to cultivate donor support and advance the museum's mission.

Key responsibilities encompass managing a 40-person team, overseeing a 20,000+ object collection, and administering a $3 million budget. Candidates should possess a Master’s degree (preferred) in art history, museum studies, or a related field, and a minimum of 3 years of senior museum management experience. Proven success in exhibitions, fundraising, and strategic planning are essential. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are required to navigate complex organizational dynamics and diverse constituencies. NMMOA is committed to an inclusive and equitable environment, welcoming qualified candidates to contribute to Santa Fe’s rich cultural heritage.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest articulating your specific interest in the New Mexico Museum of Art and how you envision contributing to our continued success and growth, along with your curriculum vitae, to executive.search@dca.nm.gov. References should be available upon request.

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Deadline for initial submission of qualifications is Friday, June 6, 2025. While the position is open until filled, interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by the initial deadline of June 6, 2025.

Department of Cultural Affairs Chief Information Officer

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for providing leadership, vision, and oversight to the DCA Office of Information Technology.

The DCA CIO is a hands-on position that has authority for all information technology planning, personnel, contracts, budgeting, procurement, and operations and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal policies, rules, and regulations related to information technology and information management.

The position oversees a team of 9 staff members located throughout the state and involved in various aspects of department activity and serves as a key member of the DCA leadership team.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest articulating your specific interest in the New Mexico Museum of Art and how you envision contributing to our continued success and growth, along with your curriculum vitae, to executive.search@dca.nm.gov. References should be available upon request.

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Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit by April 20, 2025.