Director of Center of SW Studies

Fort Lewis College•Durango, CO

About The Position

The Director of the Center for Southwest Studies provides strategic, administrative, and public leadership for one of Fort Lewis College’s most significant academic and community assets. The Center serves as a museum, archive, library, and cultural gathering space that supports student learning, faculty scholarship, community engagement, and the stewardship of the Southwest’s dynamic histories and cultures. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Director is responsible for the overall vision, operations, financial management, fundraising, and external relationships of the Center. The Director works closely with professional staff, advisory boards, campus partners, donors, and community stakeholders to ensure the Center’s long-term sustainability, relevance, and impact.

Requirements

Master’s degree in anthropology, history, museum studies, Native American and Indigenous studies, public history, or a related field.
At least three years of leadership experience in a museum, archive, library, cultural institution, or related organization.
Demonstrated experience managing professional staff and complex operations.
Experience with budgeting and financial oversight.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, or donor engagement.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices and respectful collaboration with Indigenous communities and diverse stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of senior leadership experience in a cultural or educational institution.
Experience working with collections governed by NAGPRA.
Knowledge of the Southwest and its histories, cultures, and communities.
Experience in strategic planning, organizational development, or institutional growth.
Demonstrated success in cultivating long-term donor relationships.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision Provide overall leadership and direction for the Center, advancing its mission in alignment with Fort Lewis College’s strategic priorities.
Lead long-range planning for collections, exhibitions, programs, staffing, facilities, and public engagement.
Serve as the primary liaison to the Center’s campus and community advisory boards and work collaboratively with them to shape priorities and assess progress.
Represent the Center in campus-wide planning initiatives and external partnerships.
Administrative and Operational Management Oversee the daily operations of the Center, balancing long-term planning with hands-on management.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture.
Oversee student employment, internships, and fellowship programs, ensuring meaningful experiential learning opportunities.
Prepare required reports for the College, advisory boards, funders, and external agencies.
Collaborates with Center staff on facility oversight and accessibility.
Financial Management and Budget Oversight · Develop and manage the Center’s annual operating budget, including exhibitions, programs, collections care, and student opportunities.
Oversee purchasing, expenditures, and financial compliance in coordination with College finance offices.
Ensure responsible stewardship of donor-restricted and grant-funded accounts.
Fundraising, Grants, and Donor Stewardship Lead fundraising strategy and donor stewardship activities for the Center, including individual giving, foundation support, government grants, and special initiatives.
Serve as the primary point of contact with the Fort Lewis College foundation for all Center-related fundraising and donor stewardship.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, collectors, and funding partners.
Write and oversee grant proposals and manage grant-funded projects in collaboration with staff and partners.
Collections Stewardship and Compliance Hold overall responsibility for compliance with state and federal regulations governing collections, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Collaborate with professional staff on collections policies, ethical standards, risk management, and long-term care.
Serve as a key contact for potential donors of archival materials and museum objects.
Exhibitions, Programming, and Public Engagement Collaborate with curatorial staff on long-range exhibition planning and public programming.
Support lectures, artist talks, educational programs, and community-based initiatives.
Maintain a visible public presence locally, regionally, and nationally as a representative of the Center and the College.
Communications and Outreach Oversee the Center’s communications and marketing strategy, including website content, digital outreach, and promotional materials.
Ensure public-facing communications align with College branding, accessibility standards, and institutional messaging.
Represent the Center at admissions, advancement, alumni, and community events.
Perform other duties as assigned