In recent months, the New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. Commission has undertaken significant changes. Among other things, the Commission has accepted the resignation of the former Executive Director, appointed an Acting Director, elected new leadership for the Commission, welcomed new Commissioners, and taken serious efforts to shed any shadows cast upon the Commission with the adoption and implementation of our #NewDay@MLK Initiative. In the upcoming months, we will be celebrating the Legacy and Life of Dr. King across the State, and the Commission is excited to share the news of growth and upcoming opportunities. As we work on meeting our mission and establishing a new strategic outreach plan and path for program development, we want to let the public know that we will make the formal announcement seeking applications for a new Executive Director after the 2025 King Holiday weekend (January 18-20, 2025). We encourage interested and qualified individuals to apply when the official announcement is made. In the meantime, please know that we are working within the community and with local organizations across the state to provide more opportunities for the youth and the people of New Mexico to explore Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and the quest for true freedom for humanity through his non-violent approach toward civil rights in America.
Job Posting
Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission – Executive Director
The Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission of New Mexico’s purpose and vision is to bring Dr. King’s message of nonviolent social action to all citizens of New Mexico. To accomplish this, the Commission must work with state government, nonprofit organizations, and civic and community organizations to provide the necessary program and financial support, within the limits and guidelines of the New Mexico State Statutes.
Position Summary: The Executive Director for the State of New Mexico’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission (“the Commission”) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the mission of the Commission. The Executive Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of initiatives that promote the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including social justice, equality, and community engagement. The Executive Director is appointed by the Board of the Commission and serves at the pleasure of the Commission. This position is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Strategy:
• Develop and execute a strategic plan that aligns with the Commission’s mission.
• Lead efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Commission and the broader community. - Program Development:
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives.
• Ensure programs are impactful and align with the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Civic and Community Engagement:
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, leaders, and stakeholders, i) locally (across New Mexico), ii) statewide, and iii) nationally. • Represent the Commission at public events, forums, and in the media. - Fundraising and Development:
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to support program initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and grant-making organizations. - Administrative Oversight:
• Manage the Commission’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability. • Oversee staff, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities. • Ensure that the Commission timely and appropriately complies with all requirements related to the annual audit process - Policy and Advocacy:
• Advocate for policies that promote social justice and equality.
• Collaborate with government officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance the Commission’s goals.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably within a non-profit or government setting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful programs.
• Strong Understanding of social justice, civil rights, and community engagement principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with applicable legal and ethical principles.
• Experience building and maintaining community relationships with community organizations, leaders, and stakeholders.
• Must possess and/or maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
Skills:
• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate others. • Strategic planning and execution.
• Strong financial and operational management.
• Effective fundraising and development.
• Advocacy and policy development.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references, and additional references from community organizations, leaders, and stakeholders in New Mexico to https://www.governor.state.nm.us/apply/open-positions/. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on February 25, 2025.
Salary: $59,051 to $146,150
Join us in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by leading efforts to promote justice, equality, and community engagement in our state.