Chief Operating Officer jobs in Denver, CO

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a critical role on Denver Zoo's leadership team, spearheading the Zoo Operations Division and ensuring seamless coordination of key departments: Guest Experience, Campus Operations, and Design, Planning, and Construction Management (DPCM). With a strategic mindset and a focus on operational excellence, the COO collaborates with internal stakeholders, external partners, and community entities to enhance the zoo's earned revenue generation, overall efficiency, and guest experience. 

At Denver Zoo, we believe that the key to protecting wildlife lies in inspiring and engaging communities. Our mission is about igniting a passion for conservation that will endure for generations to come. As a member of our Executive team, you'll be at the forefront of this inspiring movement, working to connect people with the wonders of the natural world. 

Come be a part of something truly transformative at Denver Zoo. Together, let's inspire communities to save wildlife for future generations 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Drive the development and execution of strategic initiatives in alignment with the zoo's mission. Serving as a vital business partner alongside the CEO and Executive Team, lead regular comprehensive business reviews, ensuring clear communication of initiatives, providing detailed updates on implementation progress, and actively removing barriers to foster operational success and accountability.
• Provide visionary leadership to the Guest Experience, Campus Operations, and Design, Planning, & Construction Management (DPCM) departments, fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and accountability. Lead a team of collaborators and cross-functional teams to enhance operational processes, optimize resource allocation, and drive continuous transformation of the organization's workflows and systems. 
• Collaborate with municipal authorities, including the City and County of Denver, to navigate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with local ordinances governing zoo development projects. Act as liaison for Denver Zoo in various forums, advocating for the zoo’s strategies and cultivating partnerships with stakeholders to support organizational goals.
• Drive strategies to optimize the guest experience and enhance earned revenue, leveraging data-driven insights and industry best practices.
• Oversee vendor contractual obligations and renewals, seeking opportunities for new programs and earned revenue. 
• Lead the development and prioritization of the master plan process. Contribute to the design, development, and construction of major new exhibits and exhibit renovations. Provides strong vision and collaboration across the zoo team to ensure the zoo’s future visions for the campus are identified and articulated through the Zoo’s Master planning processes. Ensuring zoo wide collaboration and community input, while adhering to governance processes for approval of all plans.
• Lead the planning and execution of capital improvement projects, from concept development to completion, ensuring alignment with the zoo's strategic priorities and budgetary constraints. 
• Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of zoo facilities, including exhibits, public spaces, and support areas, through strategic planning and preventive maintenance programs.
• Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive public safety protocols, emergency preparedness measures, and sustainability initiatives to ensure a secure and environmentally responsible zoo environment. 
• Engage with the Executive Team and Board of Governors to secure support and approval for DPCM projects and budgets, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure investments in achieving long-term organizational objectives.

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Other assistance designated by the Chief Executive Officer to support the organization's overall goals.  Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Provides strategic leadership, and vision for multiple large complex Departments. Motivates, models, encourages and creates a collaborative learning environment.
• Establish and model behavior expectations aligned with the zoo's core values.
• Develop and mentor future leaders; establish performance expectations, oversee achievement of organizational goals, and ensure the highest quality guest experience.
• Develops and oversees a large, complex budget of over $38m in earned revenue and a diverse expense budget including capital projects, people, and assets. Must be agile and resilient, with the ability to create multi-year budget planning. Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position will have a high level of interaction with leaders at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.  

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• 4-year degree required, master’s degree preferred in Business Administration, or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Ideally the Denver Zoo COO candidate has led an organization-wide Operations function (as COO) or will have served as a senior Operations leader/partner for the organization (as a significant direct report to the COO or equivalent). The candidate should have 10 years of progressive technical, operational, and strategic leadership experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in a comparable organizational setting, preferably within a nonprofit, aquarium, or zoo, showcasing a history of successful strategic planning and execution that prioritizes generational and multicultural viewpoints or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Requires exceptional emotional intelligence and resiliency skills to lead and/or actively participate in advancing the Denver Zoo’s work relative to racial, social, and economic justice.
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are necessary. 
• Requires recognized organizational, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally to a wide range of audiences, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have outstanding negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
• Must be an exceptional collaborator, problem solver and leader in developing and executing new strategies to position the Denver Zoo as a recognized innovator and leader in its field.
• Must have expert skills in managing large and complex teams and/or programs.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Schedule Availability: Monday - Friday
• Work Location: On campus

Compensation 

Range for this position is $16,667 - $20,833 (monthly).

Benefits 

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.  

Application Process and Timelines 

Resumes/Completed applications must be submitted by April 25th, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately.  Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.  

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.  

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

www.denverzoo.org