Executive Director

Executive Director
Flickinger Center for Performing Arts
Alamogordo, New Mexico
The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Flickinger Center for Performing Arts to recruit the organization's next Executive Director.
Organizational Overview
The mission of Flickinger Center for Performing Arts is three-fold: 1) Provide Alamogordo and Otero and Lincoln Counties with a performing arts center, 2) Maintain and continue to improve the facility in order to showcase world class entertainment and our local talent in all art forms, and 3) Reach and engage students. Founded in 1983, Flickinger Center is a live performance venue and a vibrant hub in New Mexico housed in a 1950’s movie theater. With a variety of music, dance, theater events, and community programs, the Center fosters community and creativity with strong local roots and global reach.
As a dynamic nonprofit, Flickinger Center’s 600 seats host over 40,000 guests annually through performances, film screenings, and events. The Premier Series attracts 10,000 attendees, and educational outreach engages 6,000+ students. The center partners with Children’s Music Theater and Alamogordo Music Theater for multiple productions per year, provides education on the arts, encourages youth as the future of emerging talent, and offers enormous enrichment to the city. Patron’s Hall, connected to the theater, provides event space for all types of community groups. The Center is more than just a performing arts building – it’s a historic space dedicated to enriching lives and inspiring future creatives.
The Community
Alamogordo, New Mexico, is a hidden gem in the Southwest, offering a unique blend of career opportunities, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming community. Nestled at the base of the Sacramento Mountains, this city of 30,000-plus provides stunning desert landscapes alongside lush mountain scenery. With 285 days of sunshine and an average annual high temperature of 75 degrees, it is an ideal place for those who love nature and exploration. Founded in 1898 as a railroad junction, Alamogordo is neighbors with Holloman Air Force Base, the White Sands Missile Range, and White Sands National Park.
Alamogordo offers a desirable place to live and work, including:
- Affordable Living – The cost of living in Alamogordo is 15% lower than the national average, with median home prices significantly below national rates.
- Outdoor Recreation – With proximity to White Sands National Park, the Sacramento Mountains, and numerous hiking trails, Alamogordo is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Community & Culture – The city offers a small-town feel with a strong sense of community, local festivals, and cultural attractions, including the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
- A Flourishing Arts Community including Otero Artspace, two theater groups, and multiple art galleries that celebrate regional talent by offering exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and photography.
- Inspiration Everywhere – From the breathtaking landscapes of White Sands National Park to the historic architecture downtown, Alamogordo offers endless inspiration for artists and performers.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Flickinger Center and is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and successful execution of the Center’s programs and services. This role requires a visionary and hands-on leader who will advocate for the arts, foster community relationships, ensure financial and organizational sustainability, and promote the Flickinger’s mission across all sectors. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is ultimately accountable for the performance and success of the organization.
Essential Job Functions
Program Management & Strategic Planning
- Collaborate with the Program Director to plan, execute, and evaluate an annual calendar of diverse, high-quality programming.
- Develop and implement organizational strategies in line with Board directives.
- Monitor and ensure alignment with the Center’s mission, vision, and strategic goals
Board Relations
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the organization.
- Provide regular updates to the Board, attend all board and committee meetings, and report issues, achievements, or emergent needs.
Community Engagement & Public Relations
- Act as the “Face of the Flickinger,” representing the organization at 80–90% of key community and governmental meetings, civic events, and arts-related functions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local officials, civic organizations, educational institutions, and partner organizations.
- Prepare and distribute press releases and other marketing content in alignment with the annual marketing plan.
- Speak at civic meetings and participate in radio and media appearances to promote the Flickinger Center.
Event & Facility Scheduling
- Oversee the scheduling of Premier Series, Summer Series, special events, and youth programming.
- Manage and maintain the Center’s master calendar.
- Serve as a visible leader during events, welcoming patrons and making pre-show announcements.
Grant Writing & Development
- Research, prepare, and submit grant proposals for operational support, programming, and capital improvements.
- Manage grant compliance and reporting requirements.
Develop annual applications for funding from the New Mexico Arts Commission and other public/private sources. - Solicit sponsorships and assist with fundraising and donor cultivation activities.
Operations & Administration
- Support contract development in collaboration with the Program Director.
- Ensure adherence to best practices in nonprofit management, including legal, HR, and insurance-related requirements.
- Manage organizational resources and maintain internal controls over spending and budgeting; ensure compliance with financial policies.
- Lead, mentor, hire, train, and supervise all office staff in accordance with the Center’s policies and applicable laws.
- Maintain a collaborative and professional workplace culture.
- Oversee maintenance and improvement of the theater and associated facilities; track and address ongoing maintenance needs to ensure a safe, welcoming, and clean environment.
Professional Development & Industry Awareness
- Stay informed of trends in performing arts, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement.
- Attend conferences, participate in networks, and foster ongoing learning and innovation.
The Ideal Candidate
Flickinger Center is seeking candidates with a compelling combination of experience and skills that will meet the challenges and opportunities inherent in this position. The ideal candidate is and/or possesses:
- An enthusiastic, people-oriented, and sociable personality to relate positively to everyone involved and work to increase the visibility of the Center.
- Fundraising experience with a work history that includes successfully generating new revenue through planned fundraising and donor relations; ability to research, write, and administer public and private grants.
- Communication skills, including public speaking, to build community relationships including local officials, funders, and partner organizations.
- An understanding of how the role of the performing arts center can address the needs and desires of the community.
- Superior management abilities including budget planning, profit and loss accountability, collaborative staff leadership, and policy/procedure administration.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
- Proven experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, or a related field.
- Strong communication, leadership, and public relations skills.
- Demonstrated experience with grant writing and fundraising.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently.
- Proficient in financial oversight and budget management.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the Flickinger Center.
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is $66,000 - $77,000. Benefits include paid annual leave.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Flickinger Center for Performing Arts provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, National origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, layoff, return from layoff, training, and social and recreational programs. All such employment decisions will be made without unlawfully discriminating on any prohibited basis.
Application Process
To apply for this position, submit resume and cover letter to Bruce Scott, The Moran Company, through the link below. Within your cover letter or resume, please be sure to provide a description of your qualifications related to the Position Summary and “ideal candidate” traits.