Director of Education | Dallas, TX

General Summary 

The Director of Education is responsible for the design and execution of programming at the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center. These educational programs incorporate elements of STEM, history, geography and workforce development topics to inspire students’ interest in aviation. The development of distance learning and e-learning programs is a critical goal over the next 2 years. Current programming includes Camp SOAR for elementary and middle school students, A is for Aerospace at the Pre-Kindergarten to 2nd grade level, and the Home Front Experience—a WWII simulation aimed at grades 4-12. Additional programs focus on workforce development such as Project Cub, a restoration of a 1946 J-3 Cub aircraft directed by a contracted Aircraft Restoration Project Manager. The Director of Education will focus on the growth of current programming with an eye toward future planning.  

The Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center is the flagship educational project of the Commemorative Air Force. The NAEC located at the Dallas Executive Airport provides hands-on learning opportunities and experiences for all ages. The 47,000 square foot facility is dedicated to education with the mission to Honor the Past, Empower the Future. The museum wing includes the world’s largest collection of authentic World War II nose art, a theater, and exhibits with artifacts to honor the contributions of diverse populations. Visitors are inspired by aviation and history while learning impactful stories of heroes in World War II. The James C. Ray Education Wing houses workshops, leadership simulations, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs in a more formal setting. 

Responsibilities 

• Oversee a staff of one full time and several part time educators 

• Recruit and supervise volunteers to assist in the delivery of educational programs on-site 

• Oversee the development of aviation-inspired educational activities, including digital activities, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and national standards when applicable 

• Supervise the Aircraft Restoration Project Manager and the J-3 Cub Restoration Project 

• Collaborate with the NAEC marketing team to produce promotional materials 

• Create new programs for both local and national Pre-K to 12 schools 

• Collect program data and collaborate with the development team for grant and sponsorship opportunities and reports. 

• Monitor the education supply inventory and ensure that supplies are in proper condition and available for each program and activity 

• Set up and supervise education stations during public aviation events such as the Aviation Discovery Festival 

• Attend volunteer training and orientations as needed 

• Assist the NAEC Museum Educator and the Vice President of Education with the development of museum activities for students and the general public, including public programs 

• Assist the Commemorative Air Force Vice President of Education with budgeting and financial reviews 

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities 

• Knowledge and demonstrated practice in creating hands-on, student-centered lessons with an emphasis on content-integration 

• Strong creative and visionary abilities  

• Experience in developing or delivering distance learning to include virtual classroom sessions, webinars, and e-learning platforms is preferred 

• Demonstrated attention to detail, with a strong ability to keep accurate records and statistics 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, in writing and orally across various media 

• Solid computer-proficiency skills and abilities, including applications, databases, and Microsoft 365 

• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality 

• Willingness to collaborate on projects and work with a team 

• Knowledge and experience in tool use, including handheld and power tools is a bonus 

• Knowledge of science of flight or aircraft maintenance or restoration is a bonus 

• Must be available to work a variable schedule to include evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays 

Education and Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree  

• Minimum of seven years of experience in creating, leading, and delivering educational programming in museums, educational centers, or K-12 settings 

• Previous supervisory experience 

Physical Demands 

• Regularly performs tasks with hands and fingers for grasping and holding objects 

• Regularly performs office-related tasks at a desk or workstation while sitting, such as: keyboarding, phones, handwriting, filing, etc.  

• Sometimes pushes, pulls, lifts, and/or carries up to 50 pounds across a distance with or without supportive devices 

• Frequently stands, walks, bends, stoops, crouches, reaches, climbs, and kneels throughout the workday 

• Sometimes drives or travels by car/aircraft; occasionally travels out-of-area or overnight 

Other Duties