About the Opportunity

Sullenberger Aviation Museum (SAM), the premier aviation museum of the Southeast and a Smithsonian affiliate, is seeking an entrepreneurial, visionary, and community-centered leader to serve as its next President. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a museum at a pivotal inflection point in its history—one where audience growth, strategic partnerships, innovation, and community relevance converge. SAM has completed a transformational capital campaign and reopened its reimagined campus to the public, laying a powerful foundation for its next chapter of impact.

As President, you will lead a vibrant and mission-driven organization with a talented team, a bold vision, and a deep commitment to education, career exploration, inclusive community engagement and elevating the next generation of innovators. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President will oversee strategy, operations, staff leadership, fundraising, marketing, and external relations while fostering a strong, joyful and innovative internal culture. The successful candidate will not only be a compelling leader and fundraiser ready to expand SAM’s reach and influence regionally and nationally, but someone dedicated to expanding opportunity and impact in a field that has historically lacked diverse and equitable representation across race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

About the Sullenberger Aviation Museum

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, founded in 1992 as the Carolinas Aviation Museum, reopened in June 2024 with a state-of-the-art, $34 million facility adjacent to Charlotte Douglas International Airport leased for $1/year for 49 years, a testament to the strong public-private partnership that anchors SAM’s model. Home to more than 40 commercial, civil, and military aircraft, the museum features one of the nation’s premier aviation collections – including the famed “Miracle on the Hudson” Airbus A320 piloted by its namesake, Captain C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger. More than just a collection of historic aircraft, the museum offers immersive, hands-on experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages and abilities.

With a mission to inspire, educate, and elevate the next generation of innovators, the museum is dedicated to expanding equitable access to career exploration in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Honeywell Makerspace sparks creativity and problem-solving through interactive activities like 3D printing, engineering challenges and snap circuits. Furthering this mission, the museum’s Flight Forward program connects students and aspiring professionals with aviation-focused programs, internships and apprenticeships while partnering with educational institutions, nonprofits and industry leaders to open doors to STEM careers.

SAM has been featured nationally on programs including “CBS This Morning,” “Good Morning America,” and “NBC Nightly News” and profiled by outlets like CNN and People. The museum continues to maintain a high profile across media as a result of its prominent collection and modern programming, and its galleries regularly host large-scale corporate and community events, which has quickly cemented the museum as a key pillar of Charlotte civic and philanthropic engagement.

SAM is led by a Board of Directors of 12 and a staff of 25 with an operational budget of $3.6m. 82% in program service revenue and 18% from contributed revenue.

To learn more visit: sullenbergeraviation.org

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Visionary Leadership

• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing culture that aligns with SAM’s mission and values.
• Translate bold ideas into actionable plans that drive growth, sustainability, and long-term relevance.
• Build strong, transparent relationships with the Board and stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and shared accountability.
• Intentionally sustain and grow the social capital gained during the capital campaign to achieve sustainability, financial resiliency, and community connectivity.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Demonstrate success in securing major gifts, leading annual and capital campaigns, and cultivating philanthropic partnerships.
• Actively steward and solicit major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Partner with the Board and Advancement team to ensure long-term financial health and fundraising success.

External Relations & Community Presence

• Serve as SAM’s chief ambassador, representing the museum with energy, authenticity, and a strong public presence.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, community leaders, elected officials, and strategic partners.
• Strengthen SAM’s visibility and reputation through dynamic marketing, media, and community engagement efforts.

Audience Development & Impact

• Expand and diversify SAM’s audience and membership through activating the campus through innovative, engaging programs, and experiences for a broad audience.
• Champion STEM education and workforce development initiatives that connect young people to aviation and aerospace careers.
• Ensure equity, accessibility, and inclusion are embedded throughout all programs and strategic priorities.

Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee financial strategy, ensuring responsible budgeting, reporting, and resource allocation.
• Strengthen internal systems and infrastructure, including HR, technology, and compliance processes.
• Manage museum facilities and large-scale collections, while planning for future expansion and long-term sustainability.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Visionary Leadership with a Growth Mindset

• Proven ability to lead a growing organization, with a focus on audience development, revenue development and strategic growth.
• Ability to translate vision into action and inspire teams to achieve bold goals.

Mission-Driven & Community-Focused

• Passion for the power of museums, education, and aviation to inspire and uplift communities.
• Deep commitment to inclusion, innovation, and authentic community partnership.

Experienced Fundraiser & Relationship Builder

• Demonstrated success raising significant contributed revenue and cultivating major donors.
• Skilled at building social capital and leveraging relationships to expand reach and impact.
• Experience in Charlotte community or strong local connections, preferred.

Excellent Communicator & Ambassador

• Confident, magnetic presence; able to serve as the face and voice of SAM.
• Experienced in media relations, public speaking, and community engagement.

Strong Executive & Operational Leader

• Solid nonprofit or museum management experience; familiarity with cultural institutions is a plus.
• Financial acumen, strategic planning expertise, and collaborative leadership style.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and comfort leading in a dynamic, startup-like environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a strong, inclusive team culture.

Background

• Familiarity with museums, aviation, STEM education, or workforce development.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

Application Process

To apply, scroll to the bottom of this page. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.

The salary being offered for this position is in the $145-155K range. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability insurance; Simple IRA with a 3% employer match; 15 days of PTO, 11 paid holidays; and additional paid leave for bereavement and jury duty.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Review of candidates will begin early May and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by May 2, 2025.