Chief Executive Officer

National Museum of Wildlife Art; Wickenburg (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sigler Western Museum in Wickenburg, AZ, invites applications for an Executive Director to lead as chief executive, fundraiser, and public face during a pivotal period of growth.

The successful candidate will guide a team of about 22 staff, steward a $2.5M operating budget, and drive the completion of a $35M capital project opening in 2028, while expanding national visibility for Western art and history.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex organizations with staff and budgets.
• Proven track record in fundraising, major gifts, and campaigns.
• Strong strategic planning and governance acumen.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Museum and oversee implementation of the 2026–2030 strategic plan.
• Guide the organization through the construction, capital campaign completion, and 2028 opening of the new museum campus.
• Oversee Museum operations, fiscal performance, budgeting, facilities, and long-range organizational planning.
• Lead major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, corporate and foundation relations, and endowment growth efforts.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador to elevate the Museum’s national visibility and community relationships.
• Expand signature exhibitions and initiatives, including Cowgirl Up! and plans for a National Center for Western Art by Women.
• Guide, inspire, and build capacity across the staff and volunteer corps during a period of transformation.
• Champion innovative curatorial direction and educational programming that integrates art, history, and storytelling.

Skills

Executive leadership

Fundraising

Capital campaigns

Strategic planning

Communication

Donor relations

Job description

Founded in 1960 and located in historic Wickenburg, Arizona, the Sigler Western Museum is home to a renowned collection of Western art and history, welcoming nearly 40,000 visitors annually. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and was recently recognized as the #1 Western Art Museum by True West Magazine.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will serve as the chief executive, fundraiser, and ambassador during a defining moment in the Museum's history. The successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 22 staff members and oversee a $2.5M operating budget while driving the completion of a $35M capital project to construct a new 27,100-square-foot art museum and pavilion campus scheduled to open in 2028.

The Executive Director will serve as the primary strategist and public face of the Museum, advancing its strategic plan, expanding philanthropic engagement, and positioning the institution as a definitive national voice in Western art, Southwestern history, and Western women's art.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Museum and oversee implementation of the 2026–2030 strategic plan, A New Frontier.
• Guide the organization through the construction, capital campaign completion, and 2028 opening of the new museum campus.
• Oversee Museum operations, fiscal performance, budgeting, facilities, and long-range organizational planning.
• Lead major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, corporate and foundation relations, and endowment growth efforts.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador to elevate the Museum’s national visibility and community relationships.
• Expand signature exhibitions and initiatives, including Cowgirl Up! and plans for a National Center for Western Art by Women.
• Guide, inspire, and build capacity across the staff and volunteer corps during a period of transformation.
• Champion innovative curatorial direction and educational programming that integrates art, history, and storytelling.
• Partner closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure strong fiduciary stewardship and effective governance.
• Strengthen community connections in Wickenburg and throughout Arizona.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Proven executive leadership experience managing teams, operations, and financial resources in a complex environment
• Demonstrated track record in fundraising, major gift solicitation, and capital campaign execution
• Strong strategic planning skills with experience guiding institutions through growth or capital expansions
• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and relationship-building abilities
• Passion for Western art, history, Southwestern heritage, or related museum/cultural sectors preferred