Chief Executive Officer

About the Role 

As our first ever paid Chief Executive, you will report directly to the Chair and Trust Council, taking responsibility for every aspect of the museum's leadership and operations. This is a hands-on, wide-ranging role that is strategic in outlook but grounded in the day-to-day reality of running a busy visitor attraction. 

You will: 

• Lead the development of a compelling long-term strategy in partnership with the Board 

• Take full ownership of the museum's financial health including budgets, income diversification and commercial development 

• Oversee the visitor experience and operational delivery, building on our 25,000 annual visitors 

• Lead fundraising activity, including relationships with major grant funders such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund 

• Nurture and champion our incredible volunteer community, who are at the heart of everything we do 

• Build relationships with funders, local authorities, Visit England, heritage bodies and the wider aviation community 

• Support the Board with governance, reporting and regulatory compliance 

About You 

We are looking for a leader with the experience, energy and genuine enthusiasm to take on this challenge. You do not need to have held the CEO title before, but you do need to have operated at a senior level and be ready to step up. 

You will bring: 

• Senior leadership experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector and understand how values-led organisations work 

• Experience of, or deep affinity with, visitor attractions, museums or heritage organisations 

• Financial acumen as you are comfortable with budgets, income generation and commercial thinking 

• A track record of engaging and motivating people, whether staff, volunteers or stakeholders 

• The confidence to represent an organisation externally and build its profile with funders and partners 

• Genuine passion for heritage, history and the stories that connect communities to their past 

• Ambition for what this museum could become and the pragmatism to deliver it 

We welcome applications from candidates who are new to the CEO title but have the capability and passion to grow into the role. What matters most is not the title on your CV but your commitment, your judgement and your belief in what we are doing.