Description

The New England Air Museum (NEAM) seeks an accomplished leader with demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic leadership, and organizational management to serve as its next Executive Director. One of the nation's premier aviation museums and the largest aerospace museum in New England, NEAM preserves and presents the remarkable story of flight while inspiring future generations through immersive exhibitions, nationally recognized aircraft restoration, engaging public programs, and hands-on STEM education. Home to more than 100 historic aircraft and aerospace artifacts ranging from early flying machines to supersonic jets and spacecraft, the Museum occupies a unique place at the intersection of history, science, technology, and innovation.

The New England Air Museum

Founded in 1959, the New England Air Museum (NEAM) is one of the nation's premier aviation museums. Located adjacent to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, the Museum preserves and presents the remarkable story of flight while inspiring future generations through immersive exhibitions, nationally recognized aircraft restoration, hands-on STEM education, and engaging public programs. 

The Museum's 150,000-square-foot campus includes three expansive exhibit hangars, restoration facilities, educational spaces, a research library, and administrative offices. Its collection encompasses more than 100 historic aircraft and aerospace vehicles, along with thousands of engines, artifacts, photographs, archival materials, and related objects documenting the evolution of flight from the earliest experiments through the Space Age. The collection is interpreted through thematic exhibitions exploring military aviation, commercial flight, helicopters, New England's aerospace heritage, jet propulsion, and space exploration. Throughout the galleries, visitors encounter iconic aircraft alongside engaging stories of the pilots, engineers, designers, astronauts, and innovators whose vision transformed aviation and continues to shape our world. 

NEAM refreshes the visitor experience through new exhibitions and interpretive initiatives that connect history with contemporary issues and emerging technologies. Recent projects have explored subjects including the area's pioneering contributions to jet propulsion, the untold stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, Women in Aviation, and New England's role in space exploration. Looking ahead, major planned exhibition initiatives will explore the history of balloons, blimps, and airships; and Connecticut's contributions to the Space Race with expanded digital interpretation to reflect the Museum's commitment to presenting aviation history in innovative and engaging ways. 

One of the Museum's defining characteristics is its nationally respected aircraft restoration program. Supported by an extraordinary corps of skilled volunteers working alongside professional staff, restoration projects preserve historically significant aircraft using meticulous research and craftsmanship. Visitors are able to observe restoration work in progress, providing an authentic behind-the-scenes experience while showcasing the expertise and dedication required to preserve these remarkable artifacts for future generations. 

Education lies at the heart of NEAM's mission. Through school field trips, summer camps, merit badge workshops, flight simulators, family programs, lectures, and STEM-focused educational experiences, the Museum serves more than 5,000 students annually while introducing young people to careers in science, engineering, aviation, and advanced manufacturing. Working in partnership with area schools, colleges, universities, and aerospace companies, NEAM is increasingly serving as a bridge between the region's remarkable aviation heritage and its future workforce, inspiring the next generation of engineers, technicians, pilots, and innovators. 

The Museum also presents a vibrant year-round calendar of public programs and special events that encourage repeat visitation and broaden community engagement. Signature programs including Women Take Flight, Space Expo, and Open Cockpit Weekends welcome families, aviation enthusiasts, educators, veterans, and lifelong learners.

NEAM is situated in the heart of one of America's historic aerospace corridors, occupying a unique position within a region long associated with aviation innovation and advanced manufacturing. Connecticut is home to globally recognized aerospace companies including Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, Collins Aerospace, and numerous suppliers whose engineering achievements have shaped aviation and space exploration for generations. This setting provides the Museum with exceptional opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders, educational institutions, veterans' organizations, and community partners.

NEAM welcomes approximately 75,000 visitors annually and is supported by a dedicated professional staff of approximately 40 employees, an engaged Board of Directors, and an exceptional volunteer corps that contributes thousands of hours each year across restoration, collections, education, visitor services, and special events. The Museum operates with annual revenues of approximately $3.5 million and a $2 million board-designated endowment. 

 
The Opportunity

The New England Air Museum has made significant strides in strengthening its exhibitions, educational programming, marketing, and public visibility over the past several years. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build upon this momentum while leading several important institutional initiatives that will shape the Museum's future, including:

• Strengthen the Museum's long-term financial sustainability. Working closely with the Board and development staff, the Executive Director will expand philanthropic support, diversify revenue streams, and build the financial resources necessary to support the Museum's ambitious educational, exhibition, and preservation goals.
• Prepare for a future capital campaign. The Board envisions a campaign to construct an additional exhibition hangar and associated visitor amenities that will allow the Museum to display more of its nationally significant collection, improve the visitor experience, and create new opportunities for exhibitions, programs, and events. The next Executive Director will help determine the timing, scope, and readiness for this transformative initiative.
• Lead the Museum's next strategic planning process. Building on the organization's recent accomplishments, the Executive Director will work with the Board, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to develop a shared vision and strategic roadmap for the Museum's next chapter.
• Advance exhibition renewal and interpretation. Building upon recent investments in exhibitions, the Museum seeks to continue refreshing its galleries through new permanent installations, rotating exhibitions, enhanced digital interpretation, and storytelling that broadens the Museum's appeal while highlighting New England's historic and ongoing contributions to aviation and aerospace.
• Expand the Museum's leadership in STEM education and aerospace workforce development. The Museum has become an increasingly important educational resource for schools, families, and industry partners. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to deepen these partnerships while further positioning NEAM as a leader in aviation education and career exploration.
• Deepen partnerships throughout Connecticut's aerospace ecosystem. The Museum's proximity to Bradley International Airport and many of the world's leading aerospace companies presents exceptional opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, workforce initiatives, and public engagement.
• Pursue accreditation. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to evaluate and, if appropriate, position the Museum for future accreditation and other initiatives that demonstrate excellence.

Compensation

The salary range is $220,000 - $250,000 commensurate with experience, plus an attractive benefits package.

How to Apply

To apply in confidence, submit application online HERE by September 9, 2026.

A complete application should include:

1)     A cover letter expressing interest in the position and giving brief examples of past related experience. 

2)     A resume.

3)     The names and contact information for three professional references, indicating your relationship with them, preferably supervisors and/or direct reports.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. All applications and nominations are kept confidential; we will not contact references without your permission. Nominations are welcome. 

Questions should be directed to Dan Yaeger, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference, via [email protected].

Requirements

Responsibilities, and Expectations
 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the Museum's chief executive officer and is responsible for advancing its mission through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, organizational management, and external engagement. The Executive Director is expected to be a highly visible leader who inspires confidence among staff, volunteers, donors, members, and community partners while ensuring the Museum's long-term sustainability and continued growth. Expectations include: 

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership for the Museum, working closely with the Board of Directors to establish organizational priorities, implement strategic initiatives, and position the Museum for continued growth and relevance.
• Serve as the Board's principal advisor, ensuring that trustees receive timely, accurate, and meaningful information to support sound governance and informed decision-making.
• Cultivate a productive and collaborative partnership with the Board, engaging trustees as ambassadors, advocates, and philanthropic partners in advancing the Museum's mission.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Serve as the Museum’s chief fundraiser by actively cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, government agencies, and community supporters.
• In partnership with the Board and development staff, expand philanthropic support through annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, grants, special events, and future campaign initiatives.
• Personally represent the Museum in cultivating relationships that translate into meaningful financial investment and long-term institutional support.

Financial & Operational Leadership

• Provide prudent financial leadership by developing and managing the annual operating budget, monitoring organizational performance, safeguarding assets, and ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources.
• Identify opportunities to diversify and strengthen earned and contributed revenue while maintaining fiscal discipline and long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure effective oversight of Museum operations, including facilities, visitor services, collections stewardship, and technology.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a talented and diverse professional staff while fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace.
• Establish clear expectations, encourage professional growth, promote accountability, and support a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous learning.
• Recognize and celebrate the Museum's extraordinary volunteer community, ensuring that volunteers remain fully integrated into the organization.

External Relations & Community Engagement

• Serve as the Museum's principal spokesperson and ambassador, strengthening relationships with members, donors, elected officials, educators, veterans' organizations, aerospace leaders, cultural institutions, and community partners.
• Promote the Museum throughout Connecticut, New England, and the national museum and aviation communities through effective communication, public speaking, and active civic engagement.
• Build strategic partnerships that enhance the Museum's educational mission, broaden its audience, and reinforce its role as a leader in aviation history, STEM education, and aerospace workforce development.

Mission & Collections

• Champion the Museum's mission to preserve and present the history of aviation and aerospace while ensuring the responsible stewardship of its nationally significant collections.
• Support excellence in exhibitions, educational programming, collections care, restoration, and visitor engagement, encouraging innovation while maintaining high professional standards.
• Ensure that the Museum's programs and initiatives remain relevant, engaging, and responsive to the interests of diverse audiences.

Experience, Skills, and Attributes
The successful candidate will bring a combination of executive leadership experience, fundraising success, strategic thinking, financial acumen, and a passion for the Museum's mission. While no single candidate is expected to possess every qualification listed below, the Search Committee seeks an individual whose experience and personal qualities align closely with the following:

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, long-range planning, and the ability to make difficult resource-allocation decisions.
• Experience working effectively with governing boards and leading professional staff.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into measurable results and organizational performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience raising funds for cultural, educational, or heritage organizations.
• Familiarity with aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, STEM education, or related industries.
• Experience securing government grants and other public funding.
• Experience leading or working with a substantial volunteer organization.

Personal Characteristics

• An energetic, optimistic, and engaging leadership style that inspires confidence among donors, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and the confidence to make difficult decisions while fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Strategic thinker with a strong sense of financial stewardship and urgency regarding long-term organizational sustainability.
• Intellectual curiosity, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to challenge assumptions while respecting the Museum's history and culture.
• Diplomatic, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to build trust, navigate differing perspectives, and communicate candidly with both the Board and staff.
• A genuine passion for the Museum's mission and enthusiasm for preserving aviation history while inspiring future generations through education and innovation.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this position.