Executive Director, Panhandle Plains Historical Museum

Job Title

Executive Director, Panhandle Plains Historical Museum

Agency

West Texas A&M University

Department

President's Office

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Canyon, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce. This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities. Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year. For more information regarding the benefit package go to: West Texas A&M University: Human Resources Benefits

NOTICE - All posted positions are subject to budget approval.

General Summary:

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Society seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial stewardship for the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM). The Executive Director is funded by and reports directly to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society Board of Trustees, which has supervisory authority over the position. The position is administered through West Texas A&M University for payroll and employee benefits.

The Executive Director works collaboratively with University leadership on matters involving museum facilities, operations, and other areas of shared institutional interest. The Executive Director will play a critical role in guiding the institution through its next chapter, strengthening its long-term sustainability, expanding public engagement, and preserving the rich history, culture, and art of the Texas Panhandle and surrounding region.

Located on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, the Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in the state, housing more than two million artifacts. Its extensive collections encompass regional history, art, archaeology, paleontology, and the cultural heritage of the American Southwest. The museum’s collections are owned and governed by the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society, while West Texas A&M University and The Texas A&M University System provide and maintain its facilities on campus.

(Satellite locations off campus are in various stages of planning as of fall 2026.)

Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee the administrative, financial, and operational functions of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in accordance with its mission, policies, and strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership that advances the museum’s role as a leading cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history, art, and cultural heritage of the Panhandle-Plains region.
• Report directly to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society Board of Trustees, operating under its governance, policies, and strategic direction.
• Maintain accountability to the Board for institutional priorities, financial management, personnel, museum operations, and stewardship of the Society’s collections and resources.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate museum personnel while fostering a collaborative, professional and productive work environment.
• Develop and implement annual work plans with measurable goals, objectives, and outcomes that support institutional priorities, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
• Oversee the preservation, management, and responsible stewardship of the museum’s collections, facilities, and physical assets in accordance with established professional standards.
• Collaborate with West Texas A&M University administration and other stakeholders on shared operational responsibilities, including facility maintenance, infrastructure improvements, campus coordination, and long-term preservation needs.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for exhibitions, educational programs, community outreach, digital initiatives, publications, and other interpretive experiences that advance the museum’s mission and expand public engagement.
• Regularly evaluate programs and services to ensure quality, effectiveness, alignment with professional museum standards, and responsiveness to community needs.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with professional organizations, community partners, consultants, vendors, and other stakeholders to advance institutional goals and strengthen museum operations.
• Negotiate and administer contracts, agreements, and collaborative initiatives that support museum programs, services, operational efficiency, and long-term institutional success.
• Serve as the museum’s chief fundraiser, collaborating with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society Board of Trustees, staff, and community partners to secure philanthropic support, and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
• Oversee the development and administration of the annual operating budget, monitor financial performance, and provide regular financial reporting to the Board while ensuring responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
• Serve as the museum’s primary spokesperson and advocate, effectively communicating its mission, significance, and strategic priorities to donors, government officials, community leaders, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and the public.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, professional organizations, collectors, supporters, and regional partners to enhance institutional visibility, strengthen public awareness, and expand opportunities for collaboration and support.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen community engagement, expand audience participation, and cultivate lasting relationships with existing and prospective supporters.
• Increase membership, attendance, and participation in exhibitions and educational programs while identifying opportunities to expand earned and contributed revenue through admissions, facility rentals, programming, sponsorships, grants, and other funding initiatives.
• Maintains 100% compliance with timely completion of required System, University and job-specific online training courses.
• This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions.  Other duties as assigned.
• Necessary Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten (10) years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, personnel supervision, and organizational operations, with proven ability to lead collaborative teams and manage institutional resources effectively.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish productive relationships with staff, community stakeholders, and institutional partners.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Twelve (12) years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, resource development, and cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners to advance institutional priorities and financial sustainability.
• Experience working collaboratively with a governing board on strategic planning, policy development, organizational accountability, and long-term institutional advancement.
• Applicant Instructions: Please include the following with your application:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three references
• Please attach all documents in the attachment box at the bottom of the “My Experience” page before continuing through the application.  Please use the “Upload” button to add each document individually. All revisions must be made prior to application submission.  If you need assistance with uploading documents, please contact WTAMU Human Resources at hr@wtamu.edu .
• Due to budgetary reasons, West Texas A&M University will not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.
• Texas law requires all males age 18 through 25 to be properly registered with the Selective Service System.
• Equal Opportunity /Veterans/Disability Employer.
• All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
• Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.