Chief Operating Officer

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Full‑Time Regular Exec/Sen Lvl & Mgrs

5 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Department: Administration
Reports to: President and CEO
Status: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

At the Seattle Aquarium, our mission is Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment
. We are a leading marine conservation organization with a global reputation, recognized as one of the top ten aquariums by attendance in the United States. We work with global leaders to advance animal well‑being, marine and ecosystem science, public policy, field conservation, restoration, and education that benefits our ocean and the planet. With a recent $180 million expansion at the center of Seattle’s waterfront, our annual attendance averages about 1.1 million guests.

The Aquarium employs more than 250 full‑ and part‑time employees and supports over 1,000 volunteers.

• Sustainable – adopting and promoting practices that improve ocean health.
• We‑inspiring – creating captivating experiences for all audiences.
• Learing & Improving – fostering, evaluating, and applying knowledge and discovery.
• Inclusive Community – recognizing that diversity is critical to achieving our mission.
• Scientific Integrity – ensuring our credibility with evidence‑based practices.
• Honoring Place – using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.

Working alongside the President & CEO, the COO will provide senior operational leadership across the Aquarium, ensuring that day‑to‑day operations, guest experience, staff experience, infrastructure, technology, financial stewardship, and cross‑functional execution are aligned with the Aquarium’s mission and strategic priorities. The COO will lead a portfolio of operational functions directly and work across the executive team to ensure strong coordination among departments, including areas that may not report directly to the COO.

As the Aquarium continues to evolve, the COO’s direct reporting structure may shift to best support organizational needs.

While no two days will look alike, we anticipate the COO will devote their time and attention to the following key priorities:

• Partner with the Board of Directors, President & CEO, and executive team to shape organizational goals, centering the Aquarium’s mission, values, strategic priorities, and collaborative ways of working.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operating plans, milestones, resourcing decisions, accountability structures, and communication rhythms.
• Lead ongoing business review and communication of initiatives, report status on implementation progress, and reduce barriers for operational success and accountability.
• Model through daily work how to strategize and lead in a manner that integrates and advances inclusion and regenerative practices in alignment with our SALISH values.

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations with the executive team, ensuring a high‑quality guest experience and staff wellbeing.
• Implement and advance sustainable, regenerative, and equity‑centered practices within the Aquarium and advocate for these practices beyond our walls.
• Prioritize and integrate collaborative relationships and initiatives with tribes, local government, and community partners.
• Support the development, growth, and management of the Aquarium’s overall budget, ensuring values and priorities are represented appropriately.
• Identify revenue‑generating opportunities and manage expenses in close collaboration with the VP of Finance to meet or exceed financial objectives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen operational efficiency, resource stewardship, and organizational sustainability through technology, process improvement, and cross‑functional planning.

• Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing team, fostering collaboration, clear communication, staff wellbeing, and accountability.
• Lead with curiosity and empathy while developing…