MAPS Air Museum – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
About MAPS Air Museum
The MAPS Air Museum is a non-profit internationally known museum located on the property of the Akron- Canton Airport in the city of Green, Ohio. Founded in 1990, Its mission is to educate the public on aviation history and its impact on society by acquiring, restoring, and exhibiting historical aircraft and artifacts.
Position Overview
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and visionary leader of the MAPS Air Museum, responsible for advancing the museum’s mission and ensuring financial sustainability. The ideal candidate will combine strategic leadership with a passion for military aviation and history to guide the museum into its next chapter of growth and community engagement. In addition to his/her administrative position, the Executive Director must take an active role in all functions of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Lead the development and implementation of the museum’s strategic plan and long-term goals.
- Report to an actively involved Board of Directors.
- Inspire and guide staff, volunteers and members around a shared vision.
Financial Management
- Ensure sound financial management, accountability, and sustainable growth.
- Manage an annual operating budget of approximately $500,000.
- Develop and execute revenue strategies including admissions, facility rentals, gift shop sales, memberships, grants, donations and fundraising.
Community & External Relations
- Represent the museum as its public spokesperson and ambassador.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, community leaders, educational institutions and government agencies.
Operations & Team Leadership
- Oversee the managing directors in relation to the daily operations of the museum, including but not limited to events, programs, facilities and customer experience.
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and communication.
- Promote a systems-oriented organizational culture that values respect, collaboration, creativity and accountability.
Qualifications
- Management and leadership experience related to a non-profit organization.
- Proficiency in financial management and the budgeting process.
- Strong computer skills; knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office, and QuickBooks.
- Experience with writing grants is preferred.
Position Salary Range
Part-to-full-time position with negotiable $50,000 – $60,000 range, depending on experience and skill set of applicant.
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RE: Job Posting for Military Aviation Preservation Society (MAPS) Air Museum Executive Director Opening
THE MILITARY AVIATION PRESERVATION SOCIETY (MAPS) AIR MUSEUM is currently accepting resumes
for the position of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. After a successful 14-year tenure, our current Executive
Director has recently announced his retirement.
MAPS Air Museum is located adjacent to the Akron-Canton Airport, with our museum housed in a former
Ohio Air National Guard hangar and surrounding tarmac area. We are an internationally known museum
of aviation, primarily military, and serve as a center of aviation history for Northeast Ohio. The museum
features a multi-aircraft restoration department; over sixty historically restored aircraft; educational
displays and extensive collections of acquired artifacts and interactive exhibits in our various galleries;
and historical archives and resources in our library and research center.
MAPS Air Museum, led by an elected, actively engaged Board of Directors, functions as a volunteer
based, 501C3 non-profit organization. Nearly 100 active, knowledgeable volunteers are involved in all
aspects of the museum’s activities, including aircraft restoration, tour guides, MAPS events, gift shop,
library and research center, speakers’ bureau, etc. Approximately 90-95% of our volunteers are US
military veterans, military family members, first responders, and/or military auxiliary members. We
directly support regular meetings and events of three scouting organizations, a WWII reenactment group,
Civil Air Patrol, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as various local veteran support groups throughout
the year. In addition, Kent State University currently holds semester-long College Credit Plus aviation and
aeronautics courses at MAPS for local high school students. This complements the local school tours of
3000+ students each year, funded through MAPS-acquired grants, that align with STEM and Ohio Social
Studies Standards.
MAPS Air Museum has also become a frequently used venue for all types of rental events, including
business meetings and conferences, local organizations’ meetings, weddings/receptions, high school
proms, various parties, etc. The revenue from these events helps offset our daily expenses, as well as
support the community organizations mentioned above.
The Executive Director oversees operations of the museum by direct interaction with volunteers,
community networking, financial management, and especially cooperative oversight of an established,
dedicated team of both paid and volunteer Operational Managers and Department Coordinators.
The Job Description for Executive Director of MAPS Air Museum is attached for more detailed information
regarding expectations, responsibilities and salary range.
If you would like to be considered for this position, please forward your resume, along with a cover letter
to: MAPS Air Museum, 2260 International Parkway, North Canton, Ohio 44720, C/O Dennis Bachtel,
Chairperson, Board of Directors. You may also submit your resume and cover letter online
at bachtel.dennis@mapsairmuseum.org. Resumes should be received by December 12, 2025.