Careers at Evergreen

Since its inception in the late 1980s, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (EASM), a Smithsonian Affiliate, has strived to promote scientific curiosity while empowering everyone to learn about the past and inspire future use of technology through the lens of aviation and space innovation. The EASM was founded based upon a shared enthusiasm for collecting vintage warbirds by Evergreen International Aviation founder Delford M. Smith and his son, Captain Michael King Smith. Annually, more than 120,000 visitors flock from across the globe to rural McMinnville, Oregon to witness more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits.

EASM is committed to inspiring a community for innovation and discovery, preserving aerospace history, and honoring those who serve while ushering in a new era with a bold and ambitious vision for the future. Re-imagining the Museum is an exciting shift that includes building immersive exhibits to inspire the next generation of aviators, renewing our commitment to education, and forging strategic partnerships across our 300-acre campus that amplify our strategic objectives. EASM has a new Board of Directors with a diverse outlook and skillset that brings new life into this institution. The Museum would like to achieve accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums within the next five years.

We seek a creative and visionary leader who demonstrates a passion for education, business acumen, and execution.  The ideal candidate is a proven leader with multiple aptitudes who understands the impact of interactive, informal learning environments, which may include children’s museums and science centers. They will have extensive experience and success leading high-performing teams that deliver financially sustainable results. This individual will be an organizational builder, one who brings an entrepreneurial spirit that is skilled in fundraising and is a doer.

As the key spokesperson for EASM, the President & CEO will be an enthusiastic, passionate, and outgoing individual who will serve as an ambassador for the Museum. They will be willing to engrain themselves into the fabric of the community and seek partnership with board members, donors, elected officials, corporate executives, and other supporters.  The ideal candidate will show evidence of successful fundraising leadership that includes the acquisition of major gifts and grants from foundations, corporations, individuals, and the public sector at the local, state, and national level. Experience working in public/private partnerships with a high level of community involvement and impact is beneficial.

This individual will be both leader and coach – one who understands effective design and implementation of staff management and organizational structures. They will have experience in hiring, coaching, collaborating, delegating, problem solving, and goal setting within a multidisciplinary staff. The successful candidate will be a good listener, someone who invites input before acting decisively. They will enjoy working in a collaborative environment thereby demonstrating the ability to successfully manage people and operations while empowering subordinates and delegating to, motivating, and mentoring the workforce. Leading by example is paramount as the candidate shall possess the ability to connect with all staff and demonstrate that he or she is not above any task. A strong ability to build and support volunteer resources is highly valued.

The preferred candidate will demonstrate museum experience with evidence of advancement to high levels of responsibility and leadership. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required.  An advanced degree is preferred.  Demonstration of continuing professional education and/or accreditation in a professional field would be highly desirable.

To apply, please send a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC.