Vice President of Education

Title: Vice President of Education
Classification: Full-time | Exempt | Permanent
Reports To: President

Sullenberger Aviation Museum’s mission is to inspire, educate, and elevate the next generation of innovators. Through immersive exhibits, hands-on STEM experiences, and career-connected programs, the museum celebrates the impact of aviation while opening doors to future opportunities in aerospace and beyond. Committed to inclusion, access, and community empowerment, Sullenberger Aviation Museum serves as a launchpad for learners of all ages to explore, imagine, and pursue their potential.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Education at Sullenberger Aviation Museum (SAM) leads the strategic design, implementation, and evolution of all education, community outreach, workforce development, and volunteer programming across the museum. This position plays a pivotal role in delivering on SAM’s mission to inspire and equip the next generation—particularly underrepresented youth—for careers in STEM, aviation, and aerospace through immersive learning and service-based engagement.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the VP of Education is a forward-thinking and community-connected leader who understands the transformative power of museums in driving educational equity, workforce opportunity, and civic engagement. This role oversees a dynamic education team and leads a comprehensive volunteer program that supports museum operations and enriches the visitor experience.

Primary Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a core member of the executive team, ensuring that education and volunteer initiatives align with institutional priorities and community needs.
• Champion SAM’s role as a regional leader in STEM education, workforce development, and civic engagement.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with schools, colleges, nonprofits, and industry to extend SAM’s impact.
• Lead long-term visioning and growth of the Education Department and Volunteer Program.
• Plan and manage the departmental budget.

Program Development & Implementation

• · Direct the design and delivery of education programs spanning early childhood through postsecondary and adult learners.
• · Ensure alignment with academic standards, aviation workforce trends, and equity-centered education best practices.
• Oversee flagship programs such as AeroQuest Summer Camps, Homeschool Days, Scout experiences, STEM Workshops, AeroTech Explorers, and corporate teambuilding workshops.
• Lead the strategic use of the Honeywell Makerspace and two classrooms to deliver hands-on, career-connected learning.
• Supervise curriculum and logistics for the Flight Forward program and other college and career readiness initiatives.
• Supervise the Director of Education, STEM Education Manager, STEM Educators, Interns and Gallery Associates.

Volunteer Program Oversight

• Lead the strategic direction, management, and growth of the museum’s volunteer program, including docents, makerspace assistants, greeters, archive assistants, and other volunteers.
• Supervise the Volunteer & Experience Coordinator to ensure effective recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, engagement, and retention practices.
• Oversee systems for volunteer recognition, performance evaluation, and ongoing development.
• Align volunteer roles with institutional priorities to ensure excellent visitor experiences and educational outcomes.
• Use data and feedback to continuously improve the volunteer experience and impact.

Workforce & Career Development

• Lead the expansion and refinement of Flight Forward, a career-exploration program for high school juniors and seniors at West Charlotte High School.
• Collaborate with employers, CTE programs, and postsecondary institutions to build meaningful aviation workforce pathways.
• Coordinate cohort experiences, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities to help students pursue college or career training in aviation or STEM.

Measurement & Impact

• Oversee, manage, and respond to data tracking systems for all education and volunteer programs, with an emphasis on equity, access, and outcomes.
• Analyze and report on program metrics to internal stakeholders, funders, and partners.
• Use evaluation data to inform strategy, secure funding, and scale successful models.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor education and volunteer team members, conducting evaluations and supporting ongoing professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team culture.
• Direct the procurement and stewardship of all education and volunteer-related materials, equipment, and supplies.

Community Engagement & Partnership

• Represent the museum in education, volunteerism, and workforce development networks across the Charlotte region and beyond.
• Build and sustain trusted partnerships with schools, employers, and funders to extend the reach and relevance of SAM’s mission.
• Ensure alignment between volunteer and education initiatives and the needs of the communities SAM serves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, nonprofit leadership, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience leading educational and/or volunteer programs, ideally within a museum, nonprofit, or public institution.
• Strong track record in creating equitable access to learning and civic engagement opportunities for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and build strong community and institutional partnerships.
• Skilled in volunteer management, curriculum development, project planning, and data evaluation.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for inspiring future generations and leveraging aviation as a platform for opportunity and exploration.

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Materials

Ø SUBMIT: Please submit a brief creative example of your past work that succinctly demonstrates your capabilities as a professional and accomplished educator, leader, and entrepreneur.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person