General Manager in Kelowna

Established in 2022 by the BPL Legacy Association, the KF Centre for Excellence celebrates aviation history, promotes aviation excellence, and advances participation in aerospace through education, exhibits, events, partnerships, and community engagement. The Centre operates as a not-for-profit organization committed to an exceptional visitor and community experience.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager is the Centre’s senior operational leader. The GM translates the Centre’s mandate and strategic direction into sustainable organizational performance, leads the management team, and oversees people, programs, finances, facilities, partnerships, visitor experience, risk, and organizational growth. This visible, hands-on leadership role is suited to an experienced executive who can turn strategy into action, exercise sound business judgement, build strong relationships, and demonstrate a commitment to aviation, education, community impact, and excellence.

HOURS OF WORK

This is a regular, full-time position. The standard working hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
  • Implement Board-approved strategy and annual priorities.
  • Establish performance expectations and monitor organizational results.
  • Provide the Board with clear, timely advice on opportunities, risks, resources, and performance.
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, capital prioritization, internal controls, and resource allocation.
  • Oversee third-party service providers.
  • Protect the Centre’s assets, financial sustainability, and not-for-profit status.
• People & Culture
  • Lead, coach, and develop department managers.
  • Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, performance, employee relations, succession, and organizational development.
  • Foster a safe, respectful, collaborative, and accountable workplace.
• Programs, Exhibits & Education
  • Provide strategic leadership for education, exhibits, collections, partnerships, and community programming.
  • Ensure strong outcomes, relevance, stewardship, and visitor engagement.
• Events & Partnerships
  • Set performance and revenue goals for venue rentals, events, and related opportunities.
  • Build senior-level relationships with aviation and aerospace organizations, educators, businesses, governments, and community partners.
• Operations, Facilities & Risk
  • Maintain safe, secure, accessible, clean, and effective operations.
  • Oversee facilities, aircraft maintenance schedules, business continuity, security, health and safety, insurance, and risk management.
  • Act as the senior escalation point for significant issues.
• Marketing & Community Leadership
  • Guide marketing, communications, public relations, brand, and community engagement.
  • Represent the Centre publicly and serve as an ambassador with key stakeholders and the broader community.
  • Consult the Board on matters requiring its direction or oversight.

REQUIREMENTS

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in business, nonprofit management, museum/cultural management, education, tourism/hospitality, aviation, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least five years of progressive leadership experience, including responsibility for people, budgets, operations, and organizational results. Experience in a nonprofit, museum, education, tourism, hospitality, cultural attraction, venue, or aviation environment is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience working with a Board of Directors and translating strategy and policy into effective operating plans and measurable results.
• Strong financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, internal controls, and corrective decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead a small, multidisciplinary team while remaining adaptable, organized, practical, and calm in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, relationship-building, negotiation, and public-facing skills, with sound judgement, integrity, discretion, and a strong commitment to safety and service.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance requirements is an asset.
• Demonstrated interest in aviation and aerospace is an asset. The successful candidate must also be available to work occasional evenings and weekends.

SUCCESS IN THE ROLE

The successful GM will lead a strong and accountable management team; deliver strategic priorities; strengthen financial sustainability and revenue opportunities; enhance visitor, education, and community impact; develop strategic partnerships; maintain high standards of safety and operational excellence; and position the Centre for sustainable long-term growth.

BENEFITS

Benefits include (but are not limited to): Medical and Dental Coverage, Short & Long-Term Disability, Health and Personal Spending Accounts, Paid vacation and Personal time off, Pension matching plan and voluntary RRSP, Employee & Family Assistance Program.