Strategic COO: Growth, Guest Experience, Operations

ThinkingAhead

Chattanooga, Northern (TN, KY)

On-site

USD 200,000 - 250,000

Full time

7 days ago
Be an early applicant
Application generator

A complete application in a minute — tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance
Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga seeks a Chief Operating Officer to translate an ambitious vision into coordinated action. This role oversees a broad portfolio including guest experience, facilities, safety, and organizational capacity, reporting to the President & CEO.

Ideal candidates bring seven+ years in senior leadership, strong financial acumen, and a track record of disciplined execution in a cultural institution. Relocation and a comprehensive benefits package are available.

Qualifications

  • Seven or more years of senior leadership experience.
  • Proven ability to lead complex, multi-functional operations and senior teams.
  • Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L responsibility, revenue generation, and cost management.
  • Experience translating strategy into disciplined execution at executive level.
  • Experience in a cultural institution is strongly preferred.
  • Excellent judgment, emotional intelligence, and ability to develop leaders and build trust.

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, and major capital projects; safety and business continuity.
  • Contribute to ten-year master planning and long-term exhibit priorities.
  • Develop leaders and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.
  • Represent the Aquarium within professional networks and external stakeholders.

Skills

Senior leadership
Strategic planning
Financial acumen
Budgeting & P&L
Operational leadership
Change management
Executive communication
Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree
Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga seeks a Chief Operating Officer to translate an ambitious vision into coordinated action. This role oversees a broad portfolio including guest experience, facilities, safety, and organizational capacity, reporting to the President & CEO.

Ideal candidates bring seven+ years in senior leadership, strong financial acumen, and a track record of disciplined execution in a cultural institution. Relocation and a comprehensive benefits package are available.

Get your free, confidential resume review.

or drag and drop your file here.

Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Chief Operating Officer: Growth & Guest Experience
Chief Operating Officer: Growth & Guest Experience

Socket.dev • Chattanooga (TN)

On-site
USD 200,000 - 250,000
Relocation assistance
Comprehensive benefits package
Chief Operating Officer — Growth, Guest Experience & Conservation
Chief Operating Officer — Growth, Guest Experience & Conservation

ThinkingAhead • Chattanooga (TN)

On-site
USD 200,000 - 250,000
Relocation assistance
Benefits package
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer

ThinkingAhead • Chattanooga (TN), Northern (KY)

Hybrid
USD 200,000 - 250,000
Relocation assistance
Comprehensive benefits package
Tennessee Aquarium Chief Operating Officer
Tennessee Aquarium Chief Operating Officer

ThinkingAhead • Chattanooga (TN)

On-site
USD 200,000 - 250,000
Relocation assistance
Benefits package
VP, Chief Operating Officer
VP, Chief Operating Officer

Socket.dev • Chattanooga (TN)

On-site
USD 200,000 - 250,000
Relocation assistance
Comprehensive benefits package
Executive COO — Strategic Operations & Guest Experience
Executive COO — Strategic Operations & Guest Experience

Moss Interactive, LLC • Seattle (WA), Northern (KY)

Hybrid
USD 180,000 - 250,000
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Moss Interactive, LLC • Seattle (WA), Northern (KY)

Hybrid
USD 180,000 - 250,000
COO for Growth & Operational Excellence
COO for Growth & Operational Excellence

E Hosp • Washington

On-site
USD 180,000 - 240,000
401(k) matching
Medical insurance
Vision insurance
+1
COO: Strategic Operations Leader for Growth & Experience
COO: Strategic Operations Leader for Growth & Experience

The New Orleans Tribune • New Orleans (LA)

On-site
USD 180,000 - 240,000
Chief Operating Officer — Hospitality & Growth Leader
Chief Operating Officer — Hospitality & Growth Leader

Better Talent by Laveer & Co. • Kill Devil Hills (NC)

On-site
USD 125,000 - 150,000
Paid time off
Retirement benefits
Relocation assistance
+2