Ellen Noël Art Museum - Executive Director

The Ellen Noël Art Museum of the Permian Basin, an AAM-accredited Smithsonian Affiliate located in Odessa, Texas, seeks an Executive Director to lead the Museum with strategic vision, creativity, and business acumen. This well-established and beloved Museum plays an important role in its community and the West Texas region, connecting residents and visitors with the arts, a mission which will gain greater significance as it opens a new, 36,000 square foot facility and prepares for its 40^th anniversary in 2025.

The Executive Director will provide leadership during a time of institutional growth and change, stewarding a new level of relevance and engagement with the community. The ED, along with ENAM’s Board and staff, will focus on several initiatives that make this an outstanding time to offer an important contribution. They plan to:

• Successfully open the Museum’s new facility and introduce it to stakeholders and the public.
• Complete the capital campaign supporting new facility construction and operations, with $6 million remaining to meet the target goal.
• Undertake a strategic planning initiative that focuses on opportunities generated by the new facility, including increasing revenue streams through event rentals and sponsorships, improving financial stewardship, refining operational efficiencies, and expanding the staff.
• Create policies and procedures for more efficient governance, recruit a new generation of Board Directors, and re-envision board/staff collaboration.
• Leverage the Museum’s AAM accreditation and Smithsonian Affiliate status for greater impact and community engagement.

Responsibilities, and Expectations

The Executive Director will have a background that includes proven effectiveness as an executive or senior-level professional in nonprofit organizations such as museums, art galleries, academic institutions, or other similar mission-driven organizations. The successful candidate will demonstrate passion for museums and their missions, as well as be a strategic thinker, team builder, fundraiser, financial manager, communicator, networker, and leader adept at translating organizational vision into action. They will:

• Manage all aspects of the organization, especially the successful move to a new facility with the goal of maximizing public engagement.
• Think entrepreneurially, developing new revenue streams.
• With staff, create exciting new exhibitions, collection installations, and programs in the expanded space that further engage audiences with art and creativity. Broaden access to the Museum’s collection and programs to invite new audiences.
• Provide executive leadership for a robust fundraising program, including completing the capital campaign, donor cultivation, sponsorship development, grant writing, and other means that contribute to financial strength.
• Guide the organization in developing and implementing a new strategic plan.
• Provide budgetary and financial oversight, manage revenue streams from earned income, philanthropy, and governmental sources.
• With the Board, create a healthy, effective and mutually supportive governance structure.
• Cultivate partnerships and collaborations to support the Museum’s programs and new initiatives.
• Lead an energetic outreach and marketing program that lifts the Museum’s profile. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Museum. Participate in community organizations and/or serve on boards.
• Nurture, support, and manage staff, maintaining and further inspiring teamwork and accomplishment.

Experience, Skills, and Attributes

• A minimum of five years of executive or management experience in nonprofit environments, preferably at a museum, art gallery, academic institution, or other similar mission-driven organization.
• Strategic-planning acumen; ability to see the big picture and communicate a vision, facilitating consensus on organizational change.
• Proficiency with financial and nonprofit business management; ability to oversee the annual budget, interpret financial statements, and articulate performance to the Board and stakeholders.
• Success in fundraising; experience working with donors, foundations, and corporate and governmental funding sources.
• Management and organizational skills for leading staff and volunteer teams to maintain a culture of trust and respect.
• Experience with opening new facilities is desirable.
• Communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills to network and connect with audiences.
• Experience working in collaboration with diverse constituents, partner entities, and stakeholders across a broad network.
• A. degree or equivalent life experience. Passion for American and contemporary art, especially regional art.

Research shows that people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this position.

Compensation

The salary range is $140,000 - $160,000 commensurate with experience, plus an attractive benefits package.