Position Title: Director of Operations
Department: Operations
Reports to: CEO/President
Position Designation: Exempt, 40 Hours per week

With over 75 years of service, Adventure Science Center endeavors to be a “must-see” destination for visitors of all ages in Nashville and greater Tennessee. The science center is a learning hub, inspiring the next generation of creative and confident problem solvers. Our mission is to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Operations is responsible for the leadership of Guest Services, Gift Shop, IT, and Facilities departments. Direct responsibilities include staff supervision, project management, and ensuring fiscally sound operations while advancing the institution’s strategic goals and vision. The position sits on the Executive Leadership Team and reports to the President and CEO.

Job Essentials

• Lead strategy, monitor performance and maintain KPIs of earned income business operations, including general admission, retail, and contracted food service providers.
• Demonstrates exceptional understanding of customer service principles and techniques. Sets high-quality expectations for the team by setting clear guest/member-centric guidelines and modeling exemplary attitude toward development of relationships with members and guests.
• Serve as a member of the center’s Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic guidance and input in key areas of the overall museum’s operations and long-range vision.
• Stay abreast of industry trends in guest experience and operational analytics, using established best practices to monitor and improve performance as necessary.
• Monitor department efficiency and develop or modify systems to increase productivity as relevant.
• Collaborate with Executive Leadership Team on pricing strategies for earned revenue streams inclusive of promotional discounts, equal access initiatives, and value-added experiences.
• Serve as departmental lead for point of sales software including understanding the broad scope of use and training new staff on system use.
• Serve as institutional IT lead, maintaining day-to-day functionality of systems and serving as key liaison with contracted IT service provider(s).
• Lead and manage direct reports using clear objectives, respectful communication strategies, and transparent accountability measures.
• Annually develop departmental budgets with consistent monitoring and quarterly reforecasting as necessary.
• Other duties as required to advance the science center’s strategic plan, mission and vision.

Example Responsibilities: Facilities

• Supervision and training of all facilities team members.
• Proficiency in overseeing all aspects of building operations, including the maintenance of important contacts for specialized maintenance requirements.
• Provide oversight for all safety and security protocols, including regular safety meetings and trainings.
• Regularly review, revise and implement 5-year capital improvements and major maintenance plans in collaboration with finance department and working within annual fiscal parameters.

Example Responsibilities: IT

• Manage relationships with external service providers to ensure IT needs are being met in a timely manner.
• Maintain IT functionality and infrastructure in both front and back of house, working with Chief Business Officer on purchasing needs.
• Advise annually on strategies for maintaining an IT infrastructure aligned with current best practices in the field.

Example Responsibilities: Guest Experience

• Supervise Guest Services Manager, providing leadership support as well as day-to-day support as needed during times of peak attendance.
• Ensure guest experience processes and lobby environment are aligned with industry best practices, working collaboratively to update and revise as needed.
• Work with Executive Leadership Team on acquisition strategy, including identifying target audiences and external advertisement campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in tourism, business, public administration, or related field of study is preferred.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of demonstrated expertise leading operations, managing complex budgets and ensuring quality customer experience.
• Expertise with point of sales software, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite. Blackbaud Altru experience is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate, mobilize, and manage effective teams.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted.

While we’ve listed our ideal qualifications, we value individual competence, experience, and enthusiasm for our mission. We encourage all who think they are a good match for the role to apply.

OUR VALUES

• We are playful and passionate experimenters.
• We think big, embrace risk, and evolve our ideas in order to lead.
• We are collaborative with each other and our whole community.
• We foster diversity, curiosity, and creativity to make our experience unique.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

• Free onsite parking
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• HSA with Employer Match
• Vacation Time, Sick Time, and Personal Days, plus 11 paid holidays a year
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Complimentary membership to Adventure Science Center
• Free or discounted admission to local venues including The Nashville Zoo, The Frist Art Museum, Nashville Shores, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, and more!
• Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
• Eligibility for Public Student Loan Forgiveness

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to hr@adventuresci.org. Electronic submission is required for all materials. To expedite processing, please place “Director of Operations” in the subject line of your message. No phone calls, please. Due to the volume of applications received, we will only contact candidates selected for interviews.

Adventure Science Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This is intended to be a description of the general nature and level of work to be performed. This position profile should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this position. These responsibilities and duties are subject to change at any time based on organizational needs.