Executive Director At The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Director, Museum & Cultural Programs

Lead the Future of Pueblo Culture, History, and Community

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) is seeking an inspiring and visionary Executive Director to lead one of New Mexico's most respected cultural institutions. This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic executive to preserve, celebrate, and advance the living cultures, histories, and artistic traditions of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico while shaping the future of a nationally recognized museum and cultural destination.

As Executive Director, you will champion IPCC's mission by providing strategic leadership, driving fundraising and community engagement, strengthening museum operations, and fostering meaningful educational and cultural experiences. This role calls for an innovative leader who can build strong partnerships, inspire high-performing teams, and ensure long-term organizational sustainability through sound fiscal management and strategic growth.

If you are passionate about cultural preservation, experienced in nonprofit or museum leadership, and energized by building relationships that create lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

The Executive Director implements the mission of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's museum and cultural programs in alignment with the organization's strategic vision. This executive leader has overall responsibility for museum operations, cultural programming, fundraising, financial stewardship, collections oversight, exhibitions, educational programming, and organizational performance while ensuring operational excellence and long-term sustainability.

The Executive Director serves as a visible ambassador for the organization, cultivating relationships with Pueblo leadership, donors, community partners, governmental agencies, and stakeholders while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, cultural integrity, and hospitality.

Our Culture: CRAVE

At IPCC, hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment is known as CRAVE -creating welcoming environments, meaningful connections, and memorable experiences for every guest, partner, and team member in service to the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.

Every member of our leadership team is expected to:

• Create welcoming, memorable experiences through genuine warmth, respect, and attentiveness.
• Anticipate and exceed the needs of guests, partners, and team members with urgency and exceptional service.
• Lead with integrity while upholding organizational values, policies, and legal standards.
• Foster a collaborative, service-focused culture built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.
• Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Promote consistency and quality across all museum and cultural programs.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the overall strategic direction of museum and cultural programs.
• Establish and execute short- and long-term organizational goals.
• Oversee daily operations while ensuring alignment with IPCC's mission and strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate programs and organizational performance using data to guide decision-making.

Team Leadership

• Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team and staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability.
• Build an inclusive, informed, and collaborative workplace culture.
• Ensure staff have the resources and knowledge needed to succeed.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Lead major gift cultivation, donor stewardship, and relationship management.
• Identify and secure grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships.
• Expand funding opportunities through individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partnerships.
• Maintain accurate fundraising records and reporting.

Financial Stewardship

• Develop and oversee the annual operating budget.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, and organizational financial performance.
• Ensure responsible fiscal management and long-term sustainability.
• Align staffing and organizational resources with strategic priorities.

Museum & Community Engagement

• Serve as the public face of the museum and cultural programs.
• Represent IPCC through speaking engagements, community events, media opportunities, and governmental relations.
• Strengthen relationships with Pueblo leadership, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and community partners.
• Ensure museum exhibitions, collections, educational programming, and public initiatives support and advance the IPCC mission.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of successful fundraising and development experience with demonstrated results.
• Five (5) years of executive leadership experience.
• Three (3) years leading a museum, cultural organization, or related institution.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and background investigation.

Native American preference will be given.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Deep knowledge of Native American-particularly Pueblo-art, culture, history, traditions, and customs, with the ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within culturally diverse communities.
• Experience leading museums, nonprofit organizations, or cultural institutions.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, major gifts, grant writing, capital campaigns, donor engagement, and special events.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management experience.
• Financial acumen with experience developing and managing operating budgets.
• Experience overseeing museum operations, exhibitions, collections, educational programming, or historic preservation initiatives.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop thoughtful, strategic solutions.
• Proven success leading, coaching, and developing diverse teams.

Why Join IPCC?

This is more than an executive leadership opportunity-it is a chance to help preserve, celebrate, and advance the living cultures and traditions of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico for future generations.

As Executive Director, you will help shape the future of one of the Southwest's premier cultural institutions while leading meaningful work that inspires visitors, strengthens communities, and honors Pueblo heritage every day.

If you are a collaborative leader with a passion for cultural stewardship, organizational excellence, and community impact, we invite you to apply and become part of IPCC's continuing legacy.