Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is a registered charity operating as a company limited by guarantee, dedicated to preserving and sharing the remarkable story of Britain's military aviation heritage.
Established in 1982 by a passionate group of aviation enthusiasts, the Museum is set on the historically significant site of the former RAF Tangmere airfield and is one of the most celebrated fighter stations of the Second World War. Today, the Museum is home to an impressive collection of historic aircraft, aviation artefacts, interactive flight simulators and engaging exhibits spanning from the First World War through to Jet Age.
As a charity, every penny we generate is reinvested into preserving our collection, developing our visitor experience and educating present and future generations about the courage and sacrifice of those who shaped Britain's aviation history. Joining our team means becoming part of something genuinely meaningful and a community of staff and volunteers united by a shared commitment to keeping these incredible stories alive for years to come.
This is your chance to be part of something special. To turn a brilliant volunteer-led organisation into a professionally led charity that is financially sustainable, nationally recognised and community-supported. The aircraft, the stories and the people are here. What we need now is the right leader.
About the Role
As our first ever paid Chief Executive, you will report directly to the Chair and Trust Council, taking responsibility for every aspect of the museum's leadership and operations. This is a hands-on, wide-ranging role that is strategic in outlook but grounded in the day-to-day reality of running a busy visitor attraction.
- Lead the development of a compelling long-term strategy in partnership with the Board
- Take full ownership of the museum's financial health including budgets, income diversification and commercial development
- Oversee the visitor experience and operational delivery, building on our 25,000 annual visitors
- Lead fundraising activity, including relationships with major grant funders such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund
- Nurture and champion our incredible volunteer community, who are at the heart of everything we do
- Build relationships with funders, local authorities, Visit England, heritage bodies and the wider aviation community
- Support the Board with governance, reporting and regulatory compliance
About You
We are looking for a leader with the experience, energy and genuine enthusiasm to take on this challenge. You do not need to have held the CEO title before but you do need to have operated at a senior level and be ready to step up.
You will bring:
- Senior leadership experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector and understand how values-led organisations work
- Experience of, or deep affinity with, visitor attractions, museums or heritage organisations
- Financial acumen as you are comfortable with budgets, income generation and commercial thinking
- A track record of engaging and motivating people, whether staff, volunteers or stakeholders
- The confidence to represent an organisation externally and build its profile with funders and partners
- Genuine passion for heritage, history and the stories that connect communities to their past
- Ambition for what this museum could become and the pragmatism to deliver it
We welcome applications from candidates who are new to the CEO title but have the capability and passion to grow into the role. What matters most is not the title on your CV but your commitment, your judgement and your belief in what we are doing.
What We Offer
- A founding CEO opportunity and shape an organisation from the ground up
- A warm, committed Trust Council who are genuinely invested in finding the right person for our charity
- An extraordinary community of volunteers whose dedication to aviation heritage is infectious
- A mission that matters, preserving stories and artefacts that connect people to history and to each other
- Real autonomy to lead with the full support of your trustees and the trust to make decisions
- The opportunity to grow the role, the organisation and your own career in one of the UK's most rewarding sectors
We believe that diversity of experience, background and perspective makes us a better place to work and a more welcoming place for our visitors. We are committed to continuing to build an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and where all voices are heard and valued.
If you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just ask as we want to make sure the process works for you.
All successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, in line with current legislation.
This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This will be discussed with shortlisted candidates prior to appointment.
We'd love to hear from you.
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is a registered charity. Registered company limited by guarantee, England and Wales.
Contact Details:
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum Recruitment Team
