Chief Operating Officer

Seattle, WA Full Time Executive Management Posted 07/27/2026

At the Seattle Aquarium, our mission is Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. At this defining moment for our ocean and our planet, this mission matters more than ever.

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 among global leaders to advance animal well‑being, marine and ecosystem science, public policy, field conservation and restoration, and education that benefits our one ocean. We are windows to the life of the ocean, intentionally inspiring awe, empathy, and conservation action.

We present extraordinary habitats, marine life, and educational programs that engage and delight all members of our local and global communities. Our work is integral to a healthy future for marine life, people, and the planet. With the Aquarium’s recent $180 million expansion at the center of Seattle’s revitalized waterfront, our annual attendance averages around 1.1M guests per year. The Aquarium employs more than 250 full‑and‑part‑time employees and supports over 1,000 volunteers.

The Aquarium is driven by the SALISH Values:

• Sustainable:
  Adopting and promoting, internally and externally, practices that improve ocean health.
• Awe-inspiring:
  Creating captivating experiences for all audiences.
• Learning & 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.

In line with our values, the Aquarium is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming organization that calls everyone to join our mission and envisions a future where healthy oceans support us all. We see our mission as being more than conservation; we challenge ourselves to find new ways to support the restoration and regeneration of the marine environment.

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 in service of the Aquarium’s mission and strategic priorities.

The COO will lead a portfolio of operational functions directly and will 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. Currently, the Acting COO supports a team of five, including the Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Experience, the Vice President of Facilities & Operations, the Senior Director of Capital Projects, the Senior Director of Technology and the Sr.

Manager for Dive Operations. The COO also works closely with the Board of Directors, President & CEO and executive team, and represents the Aquarium externally with our government and business partners to advance our operational relationships.

As the aquarium evolves its conservation role and vision, the COO’s strategic leadership and integration will be crucial to bringing all aspects of our conservation model together and ensuring optimal delivery of our services.

• Partner with the Board of Directors, President & CEO, and executive team to help shape organizational goals, centering the Aquarium’s mission, values, strategic…