Museum Director

The Aviation Museum of Kentucky seeks a Museum Director to further enhance the Museum and its programs by increasing overall philanthropy to the museum and increasing its profile as a Kentucky and regional tourism destination.  The Director will uphold the mission and values of the Aviation Museum while promoting its goals throughout the community.

ABOUT THE AVIATION MUSEUM OF KENTUCKY, INC.® 

As the state’s largest museum dedicated to aviation, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky (AMK) houses important and significant exhibits that highlight the state’s role in aviation and aerospace history.  The museum serves as an important educational resource, inspiring interest in aviation and aerospace for Kentucky students through hands-on experiences, camps, and programs.   From humble beginnings as the Kentucky Aviation History Roundtable in 1978, the museum has grown significantly at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington.  It is now a unique tourism destination celebrating our state’s contributions to aviation and inspiring people to pursue educational and training programs in the aviation/aerospace industry.  The Museum strives to uphold its mission to serve the Commonwealth with dynamic aerospace education programs; to promote the state's aviation industry; and to serve as Kentucky's focal point for the presentation of aviation history.   

 THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Aviation Museum of Kentucky seeks a Museum Director to further enhance the Museum and its programs by increasing overall philanthropy to the museum and increasing its profile as a Kentucky and regional tourism destination.  The Director will uphold the mission and values of the Aviation Museum while promoting its goals throughout the community.  The Director will advise the Board of Trustees in making decisions that serve the best interest of the organization and its future.  

  As part of the effort to increase awareness and programming, the Museum, in coordination with the Blue Grass Airport, anticipates relocating and building a more visible and accessible location for the Museum.  The Director will play a critical role in creating the strategy and fundraising efforts to facilitate the relocation.  This new facility will allow the Museum to increase educational programming and provide a more dynamic museum experience. It will offer greater STEM support for both the Kentucky aviation and aerospace sector and students who aspire to be the next generation of aviation leaders in our state.   Under the direction of the Director, the Museum will embark on a sizable capital campaign to facilitate its relocation.  For the relocation and growth to be successful, the Director will be challenged with creating new and innovative ways to increase awareness, visibility, membership, and attendance at the Museum.   

 The Museum Director will provide direction and support to the Museum’s existing programs, exhibits and overall engagement.  Responsibilities include oversight and management of staff, creation and execution of strategic plans, financial management, revenue development, and community relations.  The Museum Director will serve as a liaison between the Board of Trustees, the community, members, staff, and volunteers.  The position reports directly to the Board of Trustees and manages a hybrid staff of part-time employees and volunteers.   

 CANDIDATE PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Aviation Museum seeks a Museum Director who has the knowledge, skills, ability, and relevant experience to embrace and lead these functions: 

  Operations 

• Oversee Museum operations, including education, programming, finance, internal and external communications, strategic planning, development, and staffing.  
• Manage the Museum’s budget and financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.  
• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand, support, and adhere to the mission and values of the Aviation Museum.  
• Provide strong leadership and guidance to the staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.  
• Oversee the development and execution of engaging and educational exhibits and programs. 
• Manage the Museum’s collections, including acquisitions, conservation, and documentation.    
• Monitor all operations and policies to ensure employees and business practices comply with all regulatory and legal requirements.     

 Strategic Planning 

• With Board collaboration, provide vision and strategic plan to achieve the Museum’s mission and for future growth of museum programming and educational opportunities to increase reach and impact within the community.   
• Maintain a positive working relationship with the Board and other community stakeholders. 
• Create and execute a strategic communications/community engagement plan, allowing the Aviation Museum to increase its presence in the community and across the region to support its mission. 

 Fundraising 

• With Board collaboration, create and execute a strategic fundraising plan allowing the Aviation Museum to work towards the eventual goal of relocating to a new facility. 
• Increase funding activities, including, but not limited to, federal, state and foundation grants, annual giving, planned giving, and events. 

• Ensure relevant federal grants are pursued.  Maintain detailed documentation for reporting on grant dollars received.  Ensure all timelines and deadlines are met. 

 Community Relations/Outreach 

• Serve as the face and advocate of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. 
• Execute all public relations and marketing initiatives including effective communications plans.   
• Develop new partnerships with community stakeholders, community partners, donors, and funding agencies.    
• Represent the Aviation Museum at social and community events strengthening the brand, enhancing community support, and communicating the Museum’s mission.   
• Identify and pursue opportunities that allow the Aviation Museum to reach a broader base of members, donors and youth who participate in its programs.  

  QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in arts, museum studies, business, engineering, or a related field preferred; Master’s degree preferred; or equivalent experience.  
• At least 5 years’ management experience with a nonprofit agency, museum, or cultural sector preferred.  
• At least 5 years’ experience in fundraising/community relations preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of museum best practices, including collections, management, and exhibition development. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.   
• Proven strategic, innovative, and creative thinker.  
• Confident public speaker. 
• Enthusiasm to meet new people and draw them into our mission. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively. 

• Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial reporting.   
• Proficient in relevant computer software and systems, including database management and digital platform. 
• Interest or experience in aviation may be beneficial.  

 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

The Aviation Museum to offer a competitive salary in the range of $70,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience.  Benefits include a stipend for health insurance and paid time off. 

 Pre-employment drug screen and background check required. 

 CONTACT 

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references, using the following link:  Museum Director.  For questions, please contact Angie Buckler at abucker@ashleyrountree.com.  All inquiries and applications will be kept strictly confidential.   

The Aviation Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, creed, sexual orientation or any other protected class.