Chief Operating Officer: Growth & Guest Experience

Tennessee-Aquarium; 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 in Chattanooga is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead growth and impact. Reporting to the President & CEO, the COO will translate the Aquarium’s ambitious vision into coordinated action and oversee guest experiences, facilities, and organizational capacity.

The successful candidate will bring seven+ years of senior leadership, strong financial acumen, and a proven ability to develop leaders and drive accountability across a specialized organization.

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of senior leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-functional operations.
• Strong business and financial acumen including budgeting and P&L responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic vision into clear priorities, operating plans, and measurable results.
• Lead guest-facing operations with focus on hospitality, attendance, and guest experiences.
• Provide executive leadership for facilities, infrastructure, and major capital projects; safety and business continuity.
• Partner in the development of long-term facilities master plan and exhibit priorities.
• Develop leaders and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, hospitality, and shared purpose.
• Guide the organization through growth and change while preserving strengths of the institution.
• Strengthen cross-functional coordination and coordinate shared priorities across teams.
• Represent the Aquarium within professional associations and external stakeholders.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Financial acumen

Executive communication

Guest experience focus

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead growth and impact. Reporting to the President & CEO, the COO will translate the Aquarium’s ambitious vision into coordinated action and oversee guest experiences, facilities, and organizational capacity.

The successful candidate will bring seven+ years of senior leadership, strong financial acumen, and a proven ability to develop leaders and drive accountability across a specialized organization.