Virginia Air & Space Science Center Executive Director

Virginia Air and Space Science Center Executive Director 

The Virginia Air & Space Science Center is a private employer and not considered a department within the City of Hampton. The successful candidate is considered an employee of the Air & Space Science Center and not the City of Hampton

The Virginia Air & Space Science Center/NASA Langley Visitor Center seeks an accomplished, visionary, and dynamic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Center, its staff, and volunteers; lead successful fundraising initiatives; and ensure the continued growth and enhancement of its exhibits, collections, and educational programming.

Located in Hampton, Virginia, a vibrant waterfront community rich in over 400 years of history and innovation, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center stands at the birthplace of America’s space program. For more than 25 years, the Center has served as a hub of educational excellence as the official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base.

The 110,000-square-foot, nine-story facility sits on 2.2 acres in beautiful Downtown Hampton and features interactive aviation exhibits spanning over a century of flight, more than 30 historic aircraft, a hands-on space gallery, unique space flight artifacts, and a giant screen digital 3D IMAX Theater. The Center is also home to the Apollo 12 Command Module and the Orion PA-1 Test Vehicle.

The mission of the Virginia Air & Space Science Center is to educate, entertain, and inspire explorers of all ages. The organization is supported by a dedicated team of 19 full-time professional staff, approximately 160 volunteers, and a 31-member Board of Directors.

Position Overview

The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer of the Center and will be responsible for implementing the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors. This individual must be an effective communicator and relationship builder, capable of advancing the Center’s mission through innovation, collaboration, and strong community engagement.

The Executive Director will demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to develop and implement innovative strategies that enhance programming, expand audience reach, and drive sustainable revenue growth. A strong track record in fundraising is essential, including the ability to identify, cultivate, and secure significant financial support through corporate partnerships, individual giving, and grant opportunities.

This role requires an active and visible presence within the community, strengthening relationships with political, civic, and philanthropic stakeholders, as well as fostering partnerships with local educational institutions to expand access to STEM learning opportunities.

Salary

Commensurate with experience

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in business, education, or a related field
• A minimum of seven years of progressive leadership experience at the mid- to executive level, preferably within a museum, nonprofit, or educational organization
• Demonstrated success in securing significant philanthropic support, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, and grant funding
• Proven experience leading strategic planning efforts, including visioning, development, and execution
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing staff and volunteer teams
• Experience engaging effectively with public sector entities, including city councils and governmental bodies
• Strong organizational leadership and management expertise, including financial stewardship, budgeting, facilities oversight, and organizational development
• Demonstrated excellence in marketing, public relations, community engagement, and both written and oral communication
• Proven ability to cultivate community ownership and foster meaningful stakeholder engagement
• Experience guiding and sustaining comprehensive, ongoing strategic planning processes
• Demonstrated involvement in endowment campaigns or comparable long-term fundraising initiatives
• Thorough understanding of nonprofit governance, including board relations and best practices
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic and innovative thinking, coupled with sound judgment and adaptable problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven environment
• Familiarity with NASA programs and the broader aerospace or STEM ecosystem

Salary : $60,000