Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

New England Air Museum (NEAM), one of the nation's premier aviation museums and the largest aerospace museum in New England, seeks an accomplished leader with demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic leadership, and organizational management to serve as its next Executive Director/CEO.

Founded in 1959 and located adjacent to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, NEAM preserves and presents the story of flight through immersive exhibitions, nationally recognized aircraft restoration, hands-on STEM education, and public programs. The Museum's 150,000-square-foot campus includes three exhibit hangars, restoration facilities, educational spaces, a research library, and administrative offices, with a collection of more than 100 historic aircraft and aerospace vehicles.

NEAM welcomes approximately 75,000 visitors annually, employs approximately 40 staff, and operates with annual revenues of approximately $3.5 million and a $2 million board-designated endowment.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will strengthen the Museum's long-term financial sustainability, prepare for a future capital campaign to construct an additional exhibition hangar, lead the Museum's next strategic planning process, advance exhibition renewal and interpretation, expand the Museum's leadership in STEM education and aerospace workforce development, deepen partnerships throughout Connecticut's aerospace ecosystem, and pursue museum accreditation.

Responsibilities include strategic leadership and governance, fundraising and resource development (serving as the Museum's chief fundraiser), financial and operational leadership, staff leadership and organizational culture, and external relations and community engagement.

Required Qualifications

Verifiable success securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and public agencies; senior executive leadership experience within a nonprofit, museum, educational institution, or similarly complex organization; demonstrated financial acumen including budget oversight and long-range planning; experience working with governing boards and leading professional staff; strong communication skills; and the ability to translate strategy into measurable results.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience raising funds for cultural, educational, or heritage organizations; familiarity with aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, or STEM education; experience securing government grants; and experience leading or working with a substantial volunteer organization.