The Executive Director, Operations leads day-to-day campus and aviation operations for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) and oversees operational execution of the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo. Reporting to the CEO, this role provides strategic and hands-on leadership across airport-style operations, airfield coordination, facilities, infrastructure, safety, regulatory compliance, emergency access, traffic management, and large-scale event operations in a complex aviation environment. Responsibilities include oversight of operational standards, vendors, infrastructure projects, master site planning, and integrated Expo operations including security, transportation, admissions, camping, and guest experience. The Executive Director leads staff and volunteer teams, manages procurement and operational resources, and drives continuous operational improvement year-round and during high-volume aviation events. Candidates should have strong operational leadership experience; airport or aviation operations experience, familiarity with FAA regulations and Safety Management Systems (SMS), and large-event operations expertise are strongly preferred. Compensation: $110,000–$135,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Qualifications • Proven leadership experience managing operations, teams, vendors, and cross-functional partners in complex environments • Airport operations experience strongly preferred, including exposure to airfield operations, regulatory environments, or aviation safety practices • Experience with airport master planning, site planning, or infrastructure development initiatives • Familiarity with FAA regulations and Safety Management Systems (SMS) or similar risk frameworks is highly desirable • Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills • Minimum 8 years of progressive experience, including at least 5 years in a supervisory role • Experience with large public events, volunteer operations, or mission-driven organizations preferred
The Aerospace Center for Excellence, Inc. (ACE) is the nonprofit parent organization of the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace
Expo, the second largest aviation event in the United States and the primary driver of ACE’s annual operating
revenue. Drawing more than 200,000 attendees each year, the Expo funds ACE’s mission to Engage, Educate, and
Accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals through hands-on STEM education, scholarships, and
youth outreach.
