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Lindbergh Foundation
Executive Director
Location: St. Louis, MO (Strong preference for local or regional candidates)
Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (Part-time in-office with WFH flexibility)
Salary: $120,000–$160,000 DOE + Benefits + Performance Bonuses
About the Lindbergh Foundation
The Lindbergh Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing technological innovation that supports environmental sustainability. Inspired by the legacy of Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, we empower breakthrough ideas through prize philanthropy, STEM education, and public engagement. As we approach the 100th anniversary of Charles A. Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight, the Foundation is entering a transformative period marked by the launch of a $15M campaign and the potential creation of the Sustainable Air Race series.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director (ED) to lead the Lindbergh Foundation through this dynamic chapter of growth and impact. This individual will work collaboratively with our active and passionate volunteer Board of Directors and committee leaders, guiding the organization’s strategic direction, operational excellence, and public visibility. The ideal candidate will have a strong nonprofit background, experience working with or managing volunteer-based organizations, and a genuine interest in aviation, space, and environmental sustainability.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy:
Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the Foundation’s strategic vision; serve as a public ambassador, clearly articulating our mission to stakeholders, partners, media, and donors; lead the development of new initiatives including our centennial programming and the Sustainable Air Race series. Program Oversight:
Manage and expand STEM education and sustainability programs that prioritize innovation, inclusivity, and impact; oversee the Lindbergh Awards, anniversary events, and unique adventure travel experiences aligned with the Foundation’s mission; maintain and strengthen relationships with key partners (e.g., XPRIZE Foundation, academic institutions, NGOs). Fundraising & Development:
Lead fundraising strategy with support from the Board and Development Committee; cultivate and steward donors, develop revenue-generating opportunities, and lead grant-seeking efforts; prioritize and support fundraising asks led by the Foundation’s Chairman. Operations & Financial Management:
Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure regulatory compliance and financial transparency; manage budgets, financial reporting, and vendor relationships. Community & Volunteer Engagement:
Work effectively with a committed group of unpaid volunteers including board members, advisory councils, and program committees; build strong communities in St. Louis and beyond to elevate the Foundation’s profile and partnership base. Qualifications
Required 10+ years of executive or senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. Proven success managing strategic partnerships, donors, and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, especially in volunteer-driven environments. Demonstrated fundraising success with ability to articulate funds raised and campaigns led. Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills. Ability to travel, including internationally, to Foundation events. Preferred Deep interest in aviation, aerospace, environmental sustainability, or STEM education. Experience with prize philanthropy or high-impact grantmaking. Background working with both paid staff and volunteers in high-collaboration cultures. Familiarity with the St. Louis regional ecosystem or willingness to be actively present in the community. Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary: $120,000–$160,000 DOE Medical insurance reimbursement 401(k) contributions Two weeks PTO plus paid federal holidays Performance bonuses based on fundraising milestones Hybrid work environment with part-time in-person meetings in St. Louis To Apply
Please submit the following: Resume Cover Letter outlining your passion for our mission Brief vision statement: How do you see aerospace innovation and environmental sustainability working together for long-term positive impact? Send materials to: erik@lindberghfoundation.org and Michael@lindberghfoundation.org Not Just About Aviation The Lindbergh Foundation is inspired by a pioneering aviation legacy, but our focus extends beyond flight. From clean tech innovation and environmental stewardship to educational access and public engagement, we are committed to supporting innovations that protect our planet while advancing human achievement. Tagged as: aerospace, environment, fundraising, global programs, partnerships, prize philanthropy, public engagement, stem education
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Leadership & Strategy:
Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the Foundation’s strategic vision; serve as a public ambassador, clearly articulating our mission to stakeholders, partners, media, and donors; lead the development of new initiatives including our centennial programming and the Sustainable Air Race series. Program Oversight:
Manage and expand STEM education and sustainability programs that prioritize innovation, inclusivity, and impact; oversee the Lindbergh Awards, anniversary events, and unique adventure travel experiences aligned with the Foundation’s mission; maintain and strengthen relationships with key partners (e.g., XPRIZE Foundation, academic institutions, NGOs). Fundraising & Development:
Lead fundraising strategy with support from the Board and Development Committee; cultivate and steward donors, develop revenue-generating opportunities, and lead grant-seeking efforts; prioritize and support fundraising asks led by the Foundation’s Chairman. Operations & Financial Management:
Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure regulatory compliance and financial transparency; manage budgets, financial reporting, and vendor relationships. Community & Volunteer Engagement:
Work effectively with a committed group of unpaid volunteers including board members, advisory councils, and program committees; build strong communities in St. Louis and beyond to elevate the Foundation’s profile and partnership base. Qualifications
Required 10+ years of executive or senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. Proven success managing strategic partnerships, donors, and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, especially in volunteer-driven environments. Demonstrated fundraising success with ability to articulate funds raised and campaigns led. Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills. Ability to travel, including internationally, to Foundation events. Preferred Deep interest in aviation, aerospace, environmental sustainability, or STEM education. Experience with prize philanthropy or high-impact grantmaking. Background working with both paid staff and volunteers in high-collaboration cultures. Familiarity with the St. Louis regional ecosystem or willingness to be actively present in the community. Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary: $120,000–$160,000 DOE Medical insurance reimbursement 401(k) contributions Two weeks PTO plus paid federal holidays Performance bonuses based on fundraising milestones Hybrid work environment with part-time in-person meetings in St. Louis To Apply
Please submit the following: Resume Cover Letter outlining your passion for our mission Brief vision statement: How do you see aerospace innovation and environmental sustainability working together for long-term positive impact? Send materials to: erik@lindberghfoundation.org and Michael@lindberghfoundation.org Not Just About Aviation The Lindbergh Foundation is inspired by a pioneering aviation legacy, but our focus extends beyond flight. From clean tech innovation and environmental stewardship to educational access and public engagement, we are committed to supporting innovations that protect our planet while advancing human achievement. Tagged as: aerospace, environment, fundraising, global programs, partnerships, prize philanthropy, public engagement, stem education
#J-18808-Ljbffr