Chief Operating Officer — Growth, Guest Experience & Conservation

ThinkingAhead; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Benefits package

Job summary

The Tennessee Aquarium seeks a Chief Operating Officer to translate ambitious vision into coordinated action and to lead a broad portfolio of operations during a pivotal growth phase.

Reporting to the CEO, the COO will drive guest experience, facilities planning, risk management, and organizational capacity, while developing leaders and fostering a collaborative culture across the organization.

Qualifications

• Strong candidates will bring seven or more years of senior leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-functional operations and senior-level teams.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L responsibility, revenue generation, resource allocation, and expense management.
• A record of translating strategy and vision into disciplined execution.
• Experience in an executive leadership position with a cultural institution is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic vision into clear priorities, operating plans, and measurable results.
• Lead guest-facing operations with a focus on hospitality, attendance, revenue growth, and guest experiences.
• Provide executive leadership for facilities, infrastructure, and major capital projects; safety and business continuity.
• Contribute to the ten-year facilities master plan and exhibit priorities.
• Develop leaders, strengthen management capabilities, and foster accountability and collaboration.

Skills

Senior leadership

Operations management

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Tennessee Aquarium seeks a Chief Operating Officer to translate ambitious vision into coordinated action and to lead a broad portfolio of operations during a pivotal growth phase.

Reporting to the CEO, the COO will drive guest experience, facilities planning, risk management, and organizational capacity, while developing leaders and fostering a collaborative culture across the organization.