Executive Director

Journey of Flight Executive Director

Journey of Flight has been the dream of our organization for many years - a vision rooted in admiration for San Antonio’s extraordinary contributions to flight, exploration, and national defense. 

Our Mission

Honor, Educate, Inspire

Our Vision

Journey of Flight creates an experience that honors the journeys of the military and aerospace industry that inspires and develops youth for future roles in aviation, space, and cyber.

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for ensuring the mission and vision of Journey of Flight is achieved through strategic planning, fundraising and execution. The position reports to the Board of Directors with the support of one administration and operations position. Journey of Flight is currently in the planning phases to raise funding and develop a state-of-the-art experience center that honors the rich military, aviation and cyber history of San Antonio as well as inspire and educate youth considering careers in these areas.

The position has oversight of all areas needed to develop the physical and experiential aspects of the plan including, but not limited to, development/fundraising, programming, relationships with community and education partners, operations and finances. 

Position Requirements and Experience:

• Passion for aerospace, defense, space and technology/cybersecurity. Drive to educate youth and adults to intrigue interest in careers in aerospace and defense. 
• Previous experience in developing and executing the strategic and tactical plans for a semi-startup non-profit.
• Previous non-profit experience launching significant national campaigns to raise capital in excess of $200M is preferred.
• Thorough understanding of Texas fundraising, marketing and taxation rules. The ability to obtain any required licenses (particularly in regard to fundraising activities) in Texas and other states, as required.

Job Duties:

• Leadership - Models and demonstrates a positive presence with all stakeholders while developing and executing strategic and tactical plans to ensure that Journey of Flight’s Mission is brought to fruition.
• Development and Fundraising - Develops and executes annual and capital campaigns to ensure the initial non-recurring funding stream of $200M is secured through lead donors while pursuing funding to ensure annual operating expenses are covered.
• Program Management - Collaboratively develops programming and exhibits for Journey of Flight including short-term exhibits as well as the more substantial launch exhibits.
• Museum Operations - Develops and executes operating plans to execute day-to-day operations of museum-like facility while ensuring the long term vision is realized. 
• Community and National Relations - Develops and maintains relationships with all local community groups, national interest groups, peer non-profit organizations, funders and potential donors, private foundations, educational agencies, Port San Antonio and the appropriate departments of the United States Air Force and Space Force. Ensures appropriate communications and sharing information to advance the mission, collect crucial information and ensure appropriate public awareness. 
• Board of Directors - Informs Board of Directors on progress to plans including development, execution, programming, financial, staffing and community affairs. Prepares agenda, supporting materials and attends Board of Director meetings. Ensures committees meet as needed and execute to plan.
• Advocacy - Ability to inspire advocacy from local and national civic and defense organizations as well as from significant national level donors.

Reports to:

• Directly to the Journey of Flight Board of Directors Chairman with significant interactions with the entire Board of Directors.

Budget:

• Prepares annual operating Budget and fundraising plan to support the annual needs of the organization.

Travel:

• Local and national as approved by the Board Chairman or as approved in the annual budget.
• Travel expenses are reimbursed

Compensation:

• Total compensation range $95,000 to $120,000
• Potential to earn bonus based on performance to annual goals and objectives
• Potential relocation assistance if selected candidate is based outside the greater San Antonio area

Application Instructions:

• Submit cover letter and resume by September 30, 2026