Director of Center for Big Bend Studies

Job Details

Job Title: Director of Center for Big Bend Studies

Location: Alpine

Department: Center for Big Bend Studies

Job No.: 998876

Posting Date: 01/05/2026

Until Filled: Yes

Appointment Date: 07/01/2026

Salary: Commensurate with Experience.

Required:

Additional degrees considered, with five plus years of progressive professional experience, including at least three years of administration, research, or advocacy related to anthropology, cultural heritage, archeology, or cultural resource management. Substantial senior leadership experience within broad anthropological disciplines reflecting demonstrated knowledge of key functions of senior management preferred, including designing and implementing research projects; financial management; development; stakeholder relations; faculty/staff relations and accountability; marketing and communications; and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet software, internet software, and email.

Preferred:

A doctorate in Archeology, Anthropology, History, or closely related fields is preferred. This is a tenure-track faculty position within the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Ten plus years of progressive professional experience, with at least five years of administration, research, or advocacy related to anthropology, cultural heritage, archeology, or cultural resource management.

Primary Responsibilities:

Summary: This position provides strong leadership overseeing the daily activities and long-term initiatives. As the primary ambassador for the CBBS, the Director is charged with maintaining CBBS as an important asset for the University internally and for surrounding regional communities, as well as, for securing financial resources that will sustain its operations and advance its special projects. The Director will plan and direct the activities of the Center, including interdisciplinary research projects, interagency contractual projects, public and scientific publications, conferences, public and scientific lectures, seminars, landowner and other public outreach, field trips, and workshops. Direct, or cause to be directed, a bi-annual summer archaeological field school. Interact with academic departments, archives, and other support areas of the University. Fundraising related primarily to endowments, operations, research projects, and public outreach. Serve as liaison between the University, the regional community, and sister organizations of the borderlands in the U.S. and Mexico. Plan, design, and direct the cultural heritage programs within the Texas Big Bend Archeological Initiative. Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice safe work habits at all times. The Director also ensures that the work of the CBBS supports the overarching University mission and strategic plan; that it is a strong partner to other University departments, centers, and institutes; and that its practices are consistent with SRSU and the Texas State University System policies. The Director will help grow the Master of Arts in Anthropology program within the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Financial Management:

• Work with the SRSU Business Office to direct and supervise CBBS finances by establishing, overseeing and managing operational and program budgets and expenditures ensuring the integrity and completeness of financial information systems, processes, internal controls, and reporting.
• Make certain that timely and accurate financial reporting and program outcomes are readily provided to university leadership and key staff members regularly, as requested.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations.

Fundraising:

• Partner with the SRSU Advancement Office and Associate Provost of Research and Development to design and execute coordinated fundraising strategies that encompass general operating and program support from individuals, foundations, corporations and government agencies to meet the mission of CBBC.
• Be able to communicate well with donors, clients, partners, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as an Ex Officio Member of the Friends of the Center for Big Bend Studies.

Marketing & Communications:

• Help guide the organization’s marketing by providing effective and regular communications to internal and external stakeholders.
• The Director is the principal spokesperson for CBBS and must proactively reinforce and articulate the mission internally and externally with all constituents.
• Build and maintain effective ongoing, transparent communication with colleagues, students, and faculty across university departments.
• Explore partnership initiatives that are consistent with CBBS’s mission, vision, and values.

Faculty/Staff Leadership:

• Provide effective leadership to ensure CBBS faculty, staff, and students are equipped and motivated to successfully perform their responsibilities, consistent with the Center and SRSU missions.
• Manage faculty/staff in adherence with sound human resources practices and guidelines and in accordance with SRSU policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Must be highly self-motivated and able to work independently while also serving as an effective team leader and team player.
• Must be able to carry out supervisory responsibilities of a team in accordance with the CBBS’s and the University’s policies and applicable federal, state and municipal laws.
• Recruit and train team members to build, motivate, and retain a high-performing team.