WE’RE HIRING!

Operations Officer / Operations Coordinator

Full-Time Position (40 hours per week), In Person

The Operations Officer supports Taos MainStreet’s day-to-day operations and core programs. This role provides balanced support across organizational operations, program operations and program development, ensuring that Taos MainStreet’s internal systems are strong, organized and aligned with organizational priorities, and that Taos MainStreet initiatives are effectively delivered. The Operations Officer works closely with the Executive Director, other Taos MainStreet staff, Taos MainStreet partners and community stakeholders and reports to the Executive Director.

About Taos MainStreet

Taos MainStreet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to realizing the shared community vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and economically thriving Historic Taos Plaza district.

Taos MainStreet advances this work through collaborative, community-centered approaches, including working closely with the Town of Taos, Taos County, New Mexico MainStreet, local businesses, property owners, other social purpose organizations, cultural and civic leaders, community members, and other partners.

Our work is grounded in three community transformation strategies:

Vibrant, Inclusive Civic Space

  • Ensuring the Plaza District is a welcoming hub for community life that is accessible and inviting for families, youth, and elders aging in place.

A Diverse, Creative Economy

  • Supporting economic diversification and creative industries that generate meaningful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Sustainable Civic Tourism

  • Promoting tourism that strengthens the Plaza's role as a civic space while preserving the community's cultural character and supporting long-term economic resilience.

Taos MainStreet is committed to shared prosperity, equitable opportunity, and inclusive engagement. We work to cultivate a Historic Plaza District that is not only a cultural and economic driver but also a place where residents and visitors can connect, create, and thrive.

The Opportunity

Taos MainStreet is entering a period of organizational strengthening as we expand our programs, deepen our partnerships, and improve our operations to support a more resilient and community-responsive organization.

To support this evolution, we are seeking an Operations Officer or Operations Coordinator (title dependent on experience, referred to hereafter as the Operations Officer) who will play a central role in ensuring that Taos MainStreet's operations, programs, and partnerships function smoothly, coherently, and with a high level of professionalism.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in community-driven environments, values collaborative leadership, and brings both organizational discipline and cultural fluency.

The Operations Officer will report to the Executive Director and work with staff, partners, and community stakeholders to maintain and strengthen organizational operations and coordinate programs and activities so that Taos MainStreet's work is high-quality and reflects the values of equity, cultural respect, and shared stewardship.

This is an opportunity for a detail-oriented, relationship-centered professional who understands the cultural and historical landscape of Taos, is committed to equitable community development, and can help strengthen the infrastructure of a small but high-impact nonprofit.

Position Summary

The Operations Officer supports Taos MainStreet's day-to-day operations and core programs. This role provides balanced support across organizational operations, program operations, and program development, ensuring that internal systems are strong, organized, and aligned with organizational priorities, and that initiatives are effectively delivered.

The Operations Officer works closely with the Executive Director, staff, partners, and community stakeholders and reports directly to the Executive Director.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary Range: $65,000–$75,000 annually, depending on experience

  • Benefits: Paid time off, holidays, comp time, and a health insurance stipend

  • Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, in-person position

  • Reports To: Executive Director

Qualifications

Education & Professional Preparation

Higher education in a field related to the responsibilities of the Operations Officer is desired. Relevant areas of study may include:

  • Business Administration

  • Nonprofit Management

  • Community Development

  • Economic Development

  • Urban Planning

Equivalent experience will also be considered. Taos MainStreet encourages applicants who have developed strong skills through professional roles, community leadership, or lived experience, even if their educational pathway differs from traditional expectations.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Strong organizational and administrative skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Experience coordinating operations or programs in nonprofit, community-based, or public-serving organizations

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Comfort working with the diverse communities of the greater Taos region

  • Experience working across cultural, linguistic, generational, and socioeconomic differences

  • Ability to represent Taos MainStreet professionally and respectfully in community settings

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with financial management

  • Experience with fundraising or sponsorship development

  • Experience with economic or community development

  • Familiarity with MainStreet programs

  • Familiarity with community revitalization

  • Familiarity with creative placemaking

  • Experience working across public and private sectors

  • Experience supporting business or entrepreneur-focused programs

Cultural & Community Fluency

Taos MainStreet values candidates who bring:

  • Meaningful familiarity with the communities, cultures, histories, and lived experiences of the greater Taos region, including Taos and Picuris Pueblos, the mestizo Nuevomexicano/Hispanic community, and long-standing immigrant communities

  • A commitment to equity, belonging, and inclusive community development

  • Respect for community-driven processes and shared leadership

  • Familiarity with Spanish (especially New Mexican dialect) and Tiwa languages is highly desired

Our Commitment to the Success of the Operations Officer

Taos MainStreet recognizes that no single candidate will bring every skill or experience listed. We are committed to supporting the success of the Operations Officer through:

  • Clear supervision and guidance from the Executive Director

  • Supportive working relationships with staff and partners

  • A collaborative, community-centered work environment

  • Clear organizational systems and expectations

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth

Additional Information

Taos MainStreet reserves the right to modify or close this recruitment process at any time.

Submission of application materials does not guarantee an interview or offer of employment. Taos MainStreet may choose not to fill the position if the candidate pool does not meet the organization's needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Taos MainStreet is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process and to building a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We encourage qualified applicants who bring strong community knowledge, relationship-building experience, and a commitment to Taos to apply.

Apply for the Operations Officer / Operations Coordinator Position

Thank you for your interest in joining Taos MainStreet. We look forward to learning more about you!

What to Submit

To be considered for this position, please submit the following materials:
Resume

Please include a current resume highlighting your:

  • Relevant work experience

  • Education or professional preparation

  • Community leadership experience

  • Operations and administrative experience

  • Program coordination experience

  • Other skills relevant to the position

Letter of Intent

Please submit a letter of intent (preferably no more than two pages) addressing the following:

  • Why you are interested in joining Taos MainStreet

  • Your experience supporting organizational operations, administrative systems, program operations, or community-based work

  • Your knowledge of Taos and experience working with local communities, businesses, organizations, cultural leaders, public-serving institutions, or community partners

  • Your experience managing multiple priorities, deadlines, projects, or partner relationships

  • Any relevant experience with:

    • Financial administration

    • Grant writing or grant support

    • Fundraising or sponsorships

    • Economic development

    • Community development

    • Creative placemaking

    • MainStreet-related programs or initiatives

How to Apply

Please email your resume and letter of intent to:
director@taosmainstreet.org

Email Subject Line:
Operations Officer / Operations Coordinator Application – [Your Name]

Preferred File Format:
Please submit application materials as PDF attachments whenever possible.

What to Expect

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in the next stage of the hiring process.

Please note that submission of application materials does not guarantee an interview or an offer of employment.

Questions?

For questions about the position or application process, please contact:

Charles Whitson
Executive Director
director@taosmainstreet.org