Overview:    

Wings Over the Rockies seeks an innovative, strategic, and guest-focused Chief Experiences Officer (CXO) to lead and elevate the institution’s education, exhibitions, public programs, collections, and guest experiences at both the Air & Space Museum and Exploration of Flight campuses. Reporting to the President and CEO, the CXO will be a key member of the senior leadership team, charged with shaping and delivering an integrated, world-class guest experience that educates, inspires curiosity, excites diverse audiences, and fosters a lifelong passion for aerospace.

The CXO will oversee the creation and implementation of dynamic, high-impact experiences that align with Wings Over the Rockies’ mission, vision, and strategic goals. This leader will prioritize creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity in all aspects of their work, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of innovation in museum and aviation-based education and engagement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, education, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in museums, science centers, education, or related fields.

• Proven track record of developing and delivering engaging guest experiences and educational programs.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.

• Strong understanding of exhibit design, educational pedagogy, and guest engagement best practices.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

• Passion for aviation, aerospace, and STEM education is highly desirable.

Job Responsibilities:    

Please Note - this list is not all inclusive but intended to be a general guide to the essential duties of this position.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive vision and strategy for guest engagement across education, exhibitions, programs, and guest experiences.

• Collaborate with the President & CEO, board, and senior leadership to align experiences with organizational goals and community needs.

• Foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity, ensuring programs and experiences are accessible and impactful for diverse audiences.

• Drive the continuous improvement of guest experience metrics, including attendance, satisfaction, and engagement.

Education and Public Programs

• Oversee the development of educational programs that inspire learners of all ages to explore aerospace careers and STEM pathways.

• Ensure programs align with state and national standards and leverage cutting-edge learning methodologies.

• Cultivate partnerships with schools, universities, and community organizations to expand educational reach.

• Identify and grow new and existing earned revenue opportunities through innovative programs, events, ticketed experiences, and other mission-aligned offerings.

Exhibitions and Collections

• Lead the curation and design of interactive, immersive, and engaging exhibits that connect guests to the history, science, and future of aviation and space exploration.

• Oversee the care, interpretation, and display of the museum’s collection, ensuring artifacts are preserved, accessible, and meaningfully integrated into exhibitions and programs.

• Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of exhibits and other hands-on learning tools to ensure optimal performance and guest satisfaction.

• Elevate the Exploration of Flight campus as a premier destination for aviation enthusiasts and the general public.

Team and Operations Management

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team across education, exhibitions, programming, and collections.

• Oversee budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure efficient and effective operations.

• Implement data-informed decision-making processes to enhance guest experiences and organizational outcomes.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Serve as a visible and passionate advocate for Wings Over the Rockies in the community and beyond.

• Build relationships with stakeholders, donors, and partners to support programmatic growth and sustainability.

• Represent the organization at conferences, events, and other forums to share best practices and raise its profile nationally and internationally.