Chief Operating Officer: Growth & Guest Experience

Socket.dev; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Tennessee Aquarium seeks an accomplished Chief Operating Officer to translate ambitious vision into coordinated action, overseeing a broad portfolio including facilities, guest experience, and organizational capacity. Reporting to the CEO, you will drive growth, risk management, and accountability across a highly specialized nonprofit organization in Chattanooga.

Strong candidates bring 7+ years of senior leadership, financial and strategic execution, and a proven ability to turn ambitious

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of senior leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex, multi-functional operations and senior-level teams.
• Experience in an executive leadership position with a cultural institution is preferred.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L, revenue generation, resource allocation, and expense management.
• Record of translating strategy and vision into disciplined execution.
• Exceptional judgment and the confidence to partner with a CEO.
• High EI and success developing leaders, building trust, and navigating diverse perspectives.
• Experience guiding growth and change in organizations and teams.
• Excellent communication with a Board and executives at all levels.
• Commitment to mission and understanding how operations, guest experience, revenue, conservation, and education drive impact.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic vision into clear priorities, plans, and measurable results.
• Lead guest-facing operations with focus on hospitality, attendance, revenue growth, and guest experiences.
• Provide executive leadership for facilities, infrastructure, CAPEX, safety, disaster preparedness, and business continuity.
• Contribute to the ten-year facilities master plan and long-term exhibit priorities.
• Develop leaders, strengthen management, foster accountability and collaboration.
• Guide organization through growth and change while preserving strengths.
• Enhance cross-functional coordination across specialized teams.
• Represent the Aquarium with associations and the professional community.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Communication

Stakeholder management

People development

Change management

Executive partnership

Vision execution

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Tennessee Aquarium seeks an accomplished Chief Operating Officer to translate ambitious vision into coordinated action, overseeing a broad portfolio including facilities, guest experience, and organizational capacity. Reporting to the CEO, you will drive growth, risk management, and accountability across a highly specialized nonprofit organization in Chattanooga.

Strong candidates bring 7+ years of senior leadership, financial and strategic execution, and a proven ability to turn ambitious