Executive Director (Palo Alto)
West Valley Flying Club, Palo Alto, CA, United States
Executive Director
West Valley Flying Club
(WVFC) is a premier non-profit aviation organization dedicated to promoting safe, accessible, and enjoyable aviation for its members and the wider San Francisco Bay Area community is seeking
a dynamic and strategic
Executive Director
. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will serve as the chief executive and primary culture setter, leading WVFC through its next chapter of growth and community impact across its flagship locations at Palo Alto and San Carlos airports.
Key Strategic Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance
Visionary Planning : Collaborate with the Board of Directors to design and execute a long-range strategic plan that balances high-quality flight instruction with sustainable organizational growth. Board Partnership : Act as the primary liaison to the Board, facilitating effective governance, transparent financial reporting, and the successful implementation of Board-level policies. External Relations & Advocacy : Serve as the organization's chief spokesperson and government liaison, managing critical high-level relationships with the FAA and city/county airport authorities.
Organizational Culture & People Leadership
Mission-Driven Leadership : Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and safety-first culture for over 1,000 active members and a diverse team of staff and independent flight instructors. Professional Development : Recruit and mentor a talented professional staff, ensuring a positive internal environment that aligns with the club's educational mission.
Financial Stewardship & Asset Strategy
Fiscal Oversight : Maintain full P&L responsibility for a $5M+ annual budget, ensuring long-term financial health through disciplined budgeting, capital planning, and lease negotiations. Fleet Strategy : Lead the strategic evolution of a 50+ aircraft fleet, working with aircraft owners to ensure a modern, technologically advanced, and financially viable rental program.
Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management
Operational Excellence : In partnership with the Safety Office and Maintenance teams, uphold the highest industry standards for aviation safety and regulatory compliance across all club operations. Regulatory Stewardship : Ensure strict adherence to FAA regulations and local, state, and federal legal guidelines.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Executive Experience : 10+ years of senior-level leadership (Director level or above) with a proven track record in strategic planning and community building. Non-Profit/Member-Based Expertise : Deep experience managing staff and operations in a mission-driven or member-centric environment (e.g., non-profits or community organizations). Financial Acumen : Demonstrated success managing multi-million dollar budgets and complex operational logistics. Aviation Passion : A deep connection to the General Aviation community is required; a
Pilot Certificate (Private or higher)
is strongly preferred to authentically represent our mission.
Compensation Package
$160-$200K annual salary/bonus plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to: candidate@wvfc.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
(WVFC) is a premier non-profit aviation organization dedicated to promoting safe, accessible, and enjoyable aviation for its members and the wider San Francisco Bay Area community is seeking
a dynamic and strategic
Executive Director
. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will serve as the chief executive and primary culture setter, leading WVFC through its next chapter of growth and community impact across its flagship locations at Palo Alto and San Carlos airports.
Key Strategic Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance
Visionary Planning : Collaborate with the Board of Directors to design and execute a long-range strategic plan that balances high-quality flight instruction with sustainable organizational growth. Board Partnership : Act as the primary liaison to the Board, facilitating effective governance, transparent financial reporting, and the successful implementation of Board-level policies. External Relations & Advocacy : Serve as the organization's chief spokesperson and government liaison, managing critical high-level relationships with the FAA and city/county airport authorities.
Organizational Culture & People Leadership
Mission-Driven Leadership : Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and safety-first culture for over 1,000 active members and a diverse team of staff and independent flight instructors. Professional Development : Recruit and mentor a talented professional staff, ensuring a positive internal environment that aligns with the club's educational mission.
Financial Stewardship & Asset Strategy
Fiscal Oversight : Maintain full P&L responsibility for a $5M+ annual budget, ensuring long-term financial health through disciplined budgeting, capital planning, and lease negotiations. Fleet Strategy : Lead the strategic evolution of a 50+ aircraft fleet, working with aircraft owners to ensure a modern, technologically advanced, and financially viable rental program.
Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management
Operational Excellence : In partnership with the Safety Office and Maintenance teams, uphold the highest industry standards for aviation safety and regulatory compliance across all club operations. Regulatory Stewardship : Ensure strict adherence to FAA regulations and local, state, and federal legal guidelines.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Executive Experience : 10+ years of senior-level leadership (Director level or above) with a proven track record in strategic planning and community building. Non-Profit/Member-Based Expertise : Deep experience managing staff and operations in a mission-driven or member-centric environment (e.g., non-profits or community organizations). Financial Acumen : Demonstrated success managing multi-million dollar budgets and complex operational logistics. Aviation Passion : A deep connection to the General Aviation community is required; a
Pilot Certificate (Private or higher)
is strongly preferred to authentically represent our mission.
Compensation Package
$160-$200K annual salary/bonus plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to: candidate@wvfc.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.