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The CAF has the below positions available:

These job descriptions in no way state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employees occupying these positions. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. These job descriptions may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.

The Commemorative Air Force is an equal opportunity employer.

These jobs are civilian positions and do not require military service (including commission and enlistment).

Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

The CAF offers a generous benefit package that includes health, vision, dental, life and disability at a cost of $50 per month for the employee, and a retirement plan that is matched up to 3%. The value of this package is over $13,000.

The Commemorative Air Force is the world’s largest World War II Flying Museum with over 175 historic military aircraft and 87 units in 29 states throughout the U.S. The headquarters offices are location in Dallas at Dallas Executive Airport. Information concerning our organization can be obtained at www.commemorativeairforce.org.

The Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center's (NAEC) mission is to Honor the Past, Empower the Future by designing and operating programs that provide hands-on learning opportunities and activities for all ages. Located at Dallas Executive Airport, the NAEC is the flagship of the American Airpower Heritage Museum (AAHM), an affiliate of the Commemorative Air Force.

TO APPLY

Looking for further opportunities? Discover available positions at the CAF Headquarters here!

Director of Safety Programs (Full-Time)

Department: Operation

Position Overview:

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Safety Programs to lead the organization’s aviation safety initiatives and ensure the safe operation of the world’s largest flying collections of historic military aircraft. This critical leadership role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive safety programs across all CAF units, events, and flight operations.

The Director will oversee all facets of operational safety, from flight demonstrations to hangar operations, fostering a culture of risk awareness and compliance across CAF Units, Squadrons, and events. The ideal candidate is a seasoned aviation professional with a passion for aviation history, operational safety, and the preservation of legacy aircraft.

Key Responsibilities:

Safety Management & Risk Mitigation:
• Further develop and oversee the CAF Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring consistent application across all operations and squadrons.
• Conduct and supervise safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments for aircraft, maintenance & restoration facilities, and event venues.
• Investigate incidents & accidents, lead root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Establish protocols to address the unique operational risks of vintage and warbird aircraft, including flight demonstrations, airshows, and aircraft restorations.

Ground and Industrial Safety:
• Further develop and implement comprehensive ground safety protocols for CAF hangars, maintenance facilities, and operational areas.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and other workplace safety regulations related to aircraft maintenance, fuel handling, hazardous materials, and machine operations.
• Oversee and improve facility safety measures, including fire prevention, tool safety, electrical safety, and accident prevention programs.
• Conduct regular facility visits to collaborate and support Unit Safety Officers.
• Implement and manage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) programs and ensure adherence to safety standards during restoration and aircraft servicing.
• Support ground crew training on topics such as ramp operations, aircraft marshalling, and emergency procedures.

Safety Training and Development:
• Further design and implement comprehensive safety training programs for pilots, ground crew, and support personnel.
• Organize and conduct regular flight safety seminars, crew resource management (CRM) workshops, and emergency response drills.
• Collaborate with Unit Safety Officers (USOs) to ensure feedback loops on important safety topics.
• Ensure all operational personnel are trained on evolving FAA regulations, CAF-specific protocols, and industry best practices.

Operational Safety – Airshows & Events:
• Further develop and enforce specialized safety procedures for airshows, fly-ins, commemorative flights, and public demonstrations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for airshow safety coordination with the FAA and event organizers.
• Manage and oversee flightline safety, crowd control measures, and emergency response planning at CAF events.
• Ensure pre-flight briefings and post-event debriefings focus on continuous improvement and hazard mitigation.

Organizational Leadership of Safety Culture Building:
• Further foster a culture of safety throughout the CAF by promoting open communication, encouraging reporting of hazards, and recognizing safety-conscious behaviors.
• Lead safety committees and represent the CAF in aviation safety forums, heritage flight groups, and regulatory safety discussions.
• Further develop internal safety campaigns and communicate safety updates across the organization.
• Lead CAF’s safety committees and engage with Unit Safety Officers to align safety goals.
• Facilitate internal communication strategies to share safety lessons learned across all CAF divisions.

Qualifications:

Required:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in aviation safety, flight operations, or risk management, preferably with vintage, military, or warbird aircraft.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety practices, and airshow operations.
• Proven track record in implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) or equivalent safety programs.
• Experience conducting incident investigations, risk assessments, and safety audits.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse teams including pilots, mechanics, and administrative staff.
• Ability to travel frequently to CAF Units, airshows, and events.

Preferred:
• Certification as a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) or equivalent aviation safety credential.
• Experience in Airshow flight operations or heritage aircraft programs.
• Pilot’s license (commercial or private), preferably with experience flying vintage or warbird aircraft.
• Background in military aviation or participation in heritage flight organizations.

Benefits:
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance available.
• Life insurance, long-term and short-term disability available.
• Up to 3% employer matched Retirement plan.
• Paid vacation time available for first year employees.

Why Join the Commemorative Air Force?

The Commemorative Air Force operates over 180 vintage aircraft from WWII and beyond, preserving and flying these historic machines to Educate, inspire, honor future generations. As Director of Safety Programs, you will play a crucial role in protecting the legacy of aviation history while ensuring the safety of CAF personnel, volunteers, and the public.

This is a unique opportunity to blend a passion for aviation, operational safety, and leadership in a mission-driven organization dedicated to preserving historic military aviation.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to jlasche@cafhq.org. No phone calls please.

Chief Development Officer

Department: Development

General Summary
As the current Chief Development Officer prepares for retirement, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) seeks a new leader to oversee fundraising activities and advance the organization’s mission. Reporting to the President/CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a vital member of the executive leadership team, fostering a culture of philanthropy and cultivating long-term relationships with donors, members, and supporters. The Chief Development Officer leads all major fundraising initiatives, including direct mail, annual giving, major gifts, grants, planned giving, and future capital campaigns. This role involves guiding and equipping local Unit fundraising activities and collaborating with other executive leaders to maximize fundraising revenue and donor engagement. Areas of responsibility include:

Fundraising:
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising program, aligned with organizational goals, that includes annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, events and direct mail campaigns.
• Donor Engagement: Build and manage a personal portfolio of donors.
• Collaboration: Work with the VP of Marketing to align donor communications with fundraising goals, brand standards, and messaging. Partner with the CFO to ensure financial alignment and data accuracy.
• Grant Oversight: Manage the grant process, including research, LOIs, applications, and reporting. Partner with CAF executives to ensure alignment with operations and application process.
• Database Management: Oversee the Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT database, ensuring data integrity and implementing effective policies and procedures.
• Capital Campaigns: Lead and implement future capital campaigns as needed. Consult with CAF Units on capital campaign proposals and implementation.
• Unit Fundraising: Provide guidance and oversight for nationwide Unit fundraising activities, supporting volunteer Unit Development Officers. Develop training and resources for CAF Members, mentoring them on donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.

Leadership and Team Development:
• Team Management: Lead a team of seven, including five direct reports, including the Philanthropy Director, Donor Engagement Officer and Development and Grant Specialist. Mentor and support staff, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Vendor Relations: Manage contracts and provide oversight of key vendors, including direct mail, planned giving, and Raisers Edge consultants.
• Goal Setting: Establish and manage short- and long-term objectives for the department to achieve organizational fundraising goals.

Executive Leadership:
• Strategic Contribution: Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing expertise in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and donor relations.
• Board Collaboration: Assist the President/CEO with Board development and engage Board members in fundraising initiatives and donor cultivation relationships.
• Budget Management: Prepare and oversee departmental budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation.

This position is in-office based at the CAF Headquarters in Southern Dallas, with 10-20% national travel for donor visits, CAF units, air shows, etc.

Qualifications:
• Passion for the CAF mission.
• Knowledge of World War II history and aviation is a plus, not required.
• At least 8 years of increasing experience in nonprofit fundraising and management, with a proven track record in major gifts, foundation, and corporate giving.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and inspire action.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Expertise in donor management systems (Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT preferred).
• Proven ability to manage teams, delegate effectively, and build a collaborative exchange of ideas.
• Politically astute and tactful; attentive to the perspectives of various stakeholders
• Organize and prioritize workloads to meet deadlines, and ability to shift focus quickly.
• High ethical standards, including integrity, and respect for confidentiality.
• “Roll up your sleeves,” service orientation
• Strong sense of urgency.
• Flexible and able to adapt.

Benefits:
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance paid 100% for employees, with a buy-up option.
• Life insurance, long-term, and short-term disability paid 100% for employee
• Retirement plan matching
• Paid vacation and sick leave

The CAF position offers a prospective Chief Development Officer a compelling career opportunity. The successful candidate will join an organization with a distinct mission, thousands of supporters, financial strength, and a team eager to grow and exceed member expectations. The organization seeks a proven strategist with a track record of success in nonprofit fundraising and management by increasing support from key stakeholders, partners, organizational leadership, volunteers, colleagues, and donors.

If interested, please apply through this link https://victory.clockworkrecruiting.com/job_posts/7104c18e-0b77-4cb5-a475-21109569852d. No phone calls please.

Membership Coordinator (Full-Time)

Department: Membership

General Summary
The Membership Coordinator processes new and renewal membership packages, and completes fulfillment and filing of member information. Creates and updates member data in the organization’s databases, documenting interactions with members and ensures access to the member portal and member communications. Utilizes Raiser’s Edge and other tools to process and fulfill membership-related activities. Answers calls from existing and prospective members received in the membership office. Supports member, donor and prospect events. Monitors membership email address for member information updates and responds to membership information requests. Provides back-up to other members of the Membership team, including being cross trained on key activities to ensure continuity, including managing daily mail processing and end-of-day delivery to the post office; retrieves mail as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. This position reports to the Vice President of Membership.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Process memberships in an organized and efficient manner.
• Keep up to date on Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge and other database changes and use them to their fullest potential.
• Identify and report on key performance metrics that reveal trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Take the initiative to recommend how to streamline, automate, and maintain any routine procedures associated with membership entry and renewal, tracking, management and other tasks.
• Work with confidential information in a professional and responsible manner.
• Provide support for CAF and NAEC activities and events, such as the CAF Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow, CAF Conference and other programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• High School Graduate.
• Experience with databases, especially Raiser’s Edge, a plus.
• Collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Ability to operate independently and as part of a team, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• A “customer-first” approach and the ability to demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to resolve situations in a professional and calm manner.
• Computer literacy. User of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) a plus.
• High level of enthusiasm, initiative, motivation, and self-direction.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

This is a full-time on-site position.

If interested, please apply through this link https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/3029957/Commemorative-Air-Force/Membership-Coordinator. No phone calls please.

Looking for further opportunities? Discover available positions at the CAF Headquarters here!