Chief Operating Officer

Company: The Living Planet, Inc.
Location: Draper
Posted on: November 17, 2022

Job Description:

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Who is Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA)? LLPA is a 501(c3) non-profit organization located in Draper, UT that provides the community with countless educational opportunities to understand and respect our precious Earth and its living ecosystems, from the Utah deserts and mountains, to rain forest habitats, to the planet's vast oceans. We just did a ground-breaking event to celebrate our expansion with the building of a new science learning center - a 128,000 square foot facility that will -greatly expand the Aquarium's capacity to educate and inspire visitors to explore and conserve Earth's diverse ecosystems, and support crucial programs for the preservation of endangered wildlife.Why Work at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium? Working here is more than just a job, it is purpose-driven work. We value and need exceptionally talented and hardworking team members to join us on our mission of inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth's diverse ecosystems, as well as conservation awareness. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 401(k) with match, PTO, Holiday Pay, New Child Leave, Aquarium Memberships and passes, and much more. -What is special about Utah? In Utah you can truly have it all. Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas offer newcomers diverse neighborhoods, great schools, arts and entertainment, and endless possibilities for sports and recreation. -A strong economy and low cost of living make Utah a perfect choice to call home.Job Summary:The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for all aspects of daily operations of the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, -a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with $20m in operating budget, and a large and diverse team of 350+ employees and volunteers combined. -The COO must possess strong administrative skills, marketing and PR knowledge, and outstanding guest relations/guest experience skills. This position requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of husbandry, business strategies, budgeting, financial statements, and optimization and growth of a visitor-based regional attraction. The COO will ensure attention to detail and sense of urgency on all responsibilities. The COO must also be a creative and strategic thinker, and results driven to continually advance the mission and goals of the Aquarium.Areas of leadership oversight includes Operations (Guest Services, Facilities), Education, Husbandry, Marketing & Public Relations, Creative & Exhibit Design, Business Development, Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships, IT, and Human Resources.Qualifications:

• Bachelors' Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Business Development, or any related field; Masters' degree is preferred
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in executive or C-suite level role
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in operations, business management, planning, and financial oversight
• A minimum of 8 years' experience working in the Attractions/Aquarium/Zoo and or Hospitality industry
• AZA affiliation is a plus
• Demonstrated experience & ability to lead and manage complex and multi-faceted operations
• Proven skills in business and financial management
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills
• Articulate, organized, and well-spoken
• Effective problem solving and mediation skills
• Demonstrated ability to share skills and knowledge with others
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced office setting
• Proven ability to cope with conflict, stress and crisis situations
• Proficiency with MS office, Accounting, and Ticketing SoftwareEssential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Oversee day to day operations of the Aquarium facility
  • Implement the vision and mission of the organization
  • Develop short and long range goals; evaluate results and provide regular reporting of progress towards such goals
  • Analyze financial statements and establish controls to safeguard funds. Review income and costs relative to goals; take corrective action as necessary
  • Oversee preparation of annual budget for each department managed
  • Train team members on the importance of, and techniques in, providing world-class guest relations and customer service
  • Ensure systems and standard operating procedures are up to date, and assist in company policy development and documentation
  • Work with Human Resources to drive a diverse and inclusive culture, enhanced with team member engagement, growth, development, etc.; ensure that performance of all department personnel is evaluated regularly and new team members are appropriately trained
  • Ensure best practices in husbandry are in place and the animal collection is healthy and secure
  • Oversee preparation for and ensure successful AZA accreditation and maintenance of accredited status
  • Work with Marketing Department in advertising opportunities in Utah and other surrounding markets
  • Create new/improved product and programs for our guests
  • Seek additional revenue opportunities and business growth to increase the Aquarium's market share in General Attendance, Membership and Group Sales
  • Interface with the local attraction associations and other professional associations and attend meetings to keep up-to-date of current information and developments in the industry
  • Work closely with banquets, cafe', facility rentals and gift shop operators to ensure continuity of brand, guest experience and optimal revenues
  • Manage IT to ensure network function and security
  • Other responsibilities, as assigned by the CEOIf interested in applying, please make sure to submit a Cover Letter along with a current Resume.The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact -accomodation@thelivingplanet.com .Depending on the volume of interests and submissions, we will only be contacting applicants who meet all of the minimum requirements listed in the job posting. Only those applicants who align most closely with our minimum and preferred qualifications will be contacted for an interview. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium will retain your application materials for one year and may contact you regarding future opportunities.

Keywords: The Living Planet, Inc., Draper , Chief Operating Officer, Executive , Draper, Utah