Chief Operating Officer: Strategy, Guest Experience & Growth

Tennessee Aquarium; Chattanooga, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to translate an ambitious vision into coordinated action across operations, facilities, safety, and guest experience.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the COO will lead multi-functional teams, oversee capital projects, and strengthen organizational capacity to drive impact and sustainable growth in a world-class visitor experience. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Seven+ years of senior leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex, multi-functional operations and senior-level teams.
• Strong business and financial acumen including budgeting, P&L, revenue generation, and resource allocation.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic vision into clear priorities, operating plans, and measurable results.
• Lead guest-facing operations with focus on hospitality, attendance, revenue growth, and guest experiences.
• Provide executive leadership for facilities, infrastructure, major capital projects, safety, disaster preparedness, and business continuity.
• Partner in developing the Aquarium’s ten-year facilities master plan and long-term exhibit priorities.
• Develop leaders, strengthen management capabilities, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, hospitality, and shared purpose.
• Strengthen cross-functional coordination and ensure teams operate around shared priorities.

Skills

Senior leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Budgeting / P&L

Revenue growth

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to translate an ambitious vision into coordinated action across operations, facilities, safety, and guest experience.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the COO will lead multi-functional teams, oversee capital projects, and strengthen organizational capacity to drive impact and sustainable growth in a world-class visitor experience. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.