Ellen Noël Museum
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Odessa, TX
Application Deadline: January 2, 2025
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 40th anniversary in 2025.
The Ellen Noël Art Museum of the Permian Basin
The Ellen Noël Art Museum of the Permian Basin (ENAM), located in Odessa, Texas, is dedicated to connecting its community with art through exhibitions, education, collections, and outreach. Incorporated in 1977 and opened in 1985, the Museum has become a treasured cultural cornerstone in West Texas, offering free admission to its galleries and hosting a variety of programs for all ages. Originally named the Art Institute of the Permian Basin, the Museum was renamed in 1995 to honor the leadership and philanthropy of Ellen W. Noël.
The Museum's mission is to engage the community by providing access to art of enduring quality, fostering cultural enrichment, and promoting artistic engagement. This is achieved through a robust schedule of exhibitions and educational programming tailored for diverse audiences including Art to Go and Fine Arts Connection. Events include the annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, Art a la Carte, and Art Talks, offering hands-on art activities, cultural performances, and engaging discussions that foster community engagement and deepen appreciation for art and heritage.
ENAM's permanent collection was formed in 1980 with a donation of 22 paintings by Italian-born, West Texas artist Frank Gervasi. Since then, the collection has grown to nearly 2,000 objects, focusing on American art from 1850 to the present, with an emphasis on Texas regional art. The collection includes paintings, works on paper, sculptures, ceramics, and photographs. Key pieces in the collection include Day and Night by M.C. Escher, a 1938 woodcut print on paper, and Sod Buster by Luis Jimenez, a 1983 lithograph on paper. The Museum also houses Stampede by Texas artist Tom Lea, an important 1940 mural which was meticulously restored and relocated from the Odessa Post Office to the Museum in 2015. The collection also includes works by Salvador Dali, Billy Schenck, and Henriette Wyeth Hurd, reflecting a diverse range of styles and periods.
ENAM is currently constructing a new facility set to open in 2025, adding approximately 14,000 square feet to its previous space, bringing the total footprint to 35,689 square feet. The new space will feature 9,700 square feet of gallery space, a 2,000-square-foot multipurpose gallery, a 100-seat theater, a 4,700-square-foot event space, plus education spaces. During construction, the Museum has been operating out of the nearby Presidential Archives building, in partnership with the University of Texas Permian Basin, to continue serving the community. In 2019 the Museum launched a capital campaign to fund its new facility with a target of $20 million; about $14 million has already been raised.
In 2005 ENAM received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and was reaccredited in 2020. It became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2010. Its annual operating budget is $1.2 million with an endowment of about $11 million. The institution is supported by a dedicated team of twelve staff members and over 200 volunteers, plus a 30-member Board of Directors. It attracts approximately 30,000 visitors per year.
The Opportunity
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.
B.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.
How to Apply
To apply in confidence, submit application by January 2, 2025, to: Dan Yaeger, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference, via SearchandRef@museum-search.com.
Please include:
1) A cover letter expressing interest in the position and giving brief examples of past related experience.
2) A résumé.
3) The names and contact information for three professional references able to evaluate the candidate’s leadership and work, indicating their relationship with the candidate.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. Nominations are welcome. All applications and nominations are kept confidential; we will not contact references without your permission. For more details, visit: www.museum-search.com/open-searches.
About Midland-Odessa and the Permian Basin
The Ellen Noël Art Museum is located in Odessa in the heart of the Permian Basin of West Texas, a vibrant region defined by its rich oil and gas industry, deep historical roots, and dynamic cultural life. Known as a leading hub for worldwide energy production, the area has experienced significant growth over the years, bringing with it a mix of modern amenities, economic opportunities, and cultural diversity. These are the traditional homelands of the Nʉmʉnʉʉ Sookobitʉ (Comanche) and Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache) peoples.
Odessa and nearby Midland are often considered “twin cities” because of their close proximity (only about twenty miles apart) and shared economic, cultural, and social ties. Both cities serve as central hubs within the Permian Basin and together form the Midland-Odessa metropolitan area with a combined population of 250,000. Despite their “twin cities” designation, each city maintains its unique character—Odessa has a strong cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene, while Midland is known for its corporate environment and urban development. This complementary relationship fosters a sense of community and shared identity while offering a variety of lifestyles, amenities, and commuting options within a relatively small geographic area.
Outdoor recreation and cultural activities are abundant in the Midland-Odessa area. For nature enthusiasts, the Permian Basin is home to parks and nature trails, such as Hogan Park in Midland and Comanche Trail Park in Odessa, where residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking. The I-20 Wildlife Preserve is a popular spot for bird-watching and exploring natural wetlands. Nearby Monahans Sandhills State Park offers unique desert landscapes, perfect for sand surfing, horseback riding, and camping. The Permian Basin is known for spectacular sunsets.
Cultural attractions include the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, the West Texas Symphony, Museum of the Southwest, Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, and Bush Presidential Family sites, highlighting the region’s artistic, industrial, and political heritage. The renowned art colony at Marfa is a three-hour drive away.
Quality of life in Midland-Odessa is attractive to many due to its friendly, close-knit community, affordable cost of living, and quality school options. The cost of living is generally lower than in larger Texas cities, making housing and daily expenses manageable for families and individuals. The city offers both public and private school options, and higher education through the University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa College, and Midland College. With a strong focus on community engagement, Midland-Odessa also features numerous family-friendly amenities, from parks and sports leagues to local festivals and community events.
While Midland-Odessa has a strong local community feel, it remains within reasonable distance of larger metropolitan areas. The cities are located about 330 miles from Dallas and about 300 miles from both San Antonio and Austin, making it possible to reach these larger cities within a five-hour drive. Additionally, Midland International Air & Space Port offers convenient regional and international flights, connecting residents to major hubs across the United States.
