Chief Operating Officer

Tennessee Aquarium is seeking an accomplished and strategic leader to join its executive team as Chief Operating Officer, helping to guide one of the United States’ leading aquariums through an ambitious new phase of growth and development.

About the role

Reporting to President & CEO Andy Wood, the Chief Operating Officer will serve as a key strategic and operational partner, translating the Aquarium’s vision into clear priorities and coordinated action across the organisation.

The role encompasses guest experience and earned revenue, facilities and capital projects, organisational development, safety and risk management, and long-term exhibit and facilities planning. The COO will also play an important role in implementing the Aquarium’s emerging strategic plan and developing its next generation of leaders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Translating strategic priorities into operating plans and measurable results
• Leading guest-facing operations with a focus on hospitality, attendance, earned revenue and exceptional visitor experiences
• Providing executive leadership for facilities, infrastructure and major capital projects
• Overseeing operational safety, disaster preparedness and business continuity
• Supporting the development of the Aquarium’s ten-year facilities master plan and long-term exhibit priorities
• Developing leaders and strengthening management capabilities across the organisation
• Fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, hospitality and shared purpose
• Strengthening coordination between the Aquarium’s specialist teams
• Helping lead the organisation through its next phase of growth and change
• Representing Tennessee Aquarium within the wider zoo and aquarium community

The appointment comes at an important time for Tennessee Aquarium, with a new strategic platform nearing completion and significant investment underway across veterinary medicine, conservation science, education, guest experiences and organisational capacity. The Aquarium welcomed more than 784,000 guests in 2025.

About you

Tennessee Aquarium is looking for an experienced senior leader with strong operational, financial and people-management capabilities.

Candidates should bring:

• At least seven years of senior leadership experience
• Experience leading complex, multifunctional operations and senior teams
• Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L responsibility, revenue generation and resource allocation
• A proven ability to translate strategy into effective execution
• Experience developing leaders and building high-performing teams
• Experience guiding organisations through growth and change
• Excellent judgement, communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to work effectively with a Board, executive colleagues, employees and external stakeholders
• A strong commitment to the Aquarium’s conservation and education mission

Executive leadership experience within a cultural institution is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree is required, while an advanced degree is preferred.