Director of the Museum of the Big Bend

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 Directors Advisory 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. View Brochure 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 or emailing