Description

Summary:

The Chief Operating Officer is a key leadership role that collaborates with other division heads and department managers and reports to the President/CEO.

• Proven experience as Chief Operating Officer or relevant role.
• Understanding of business functions such as Guest Services, HR, Finance, Marketing, etc.
• Demonstrate competency in strategic planning and business development.
• Experience in fundraising will be a plus.
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operations metrics.
• Working knowledge of IT/Business infrastructure.
• Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Contributes to desert conservation through reduction of waste, water and energy use, and inspires guests and team members to take conservation actions.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Requirements

Required Skills:

• Experience in zoological park operations and highly adaptable and willing to learn and operate park-specific POS, CRM, and data management systems.
• Posses an undergraduate degree (or higher) with course work in business operations, communications, public relations, and/or management, as well as a minimum of ten years applicable experience; experience may substitute for all or part of educational qualification.•
•  Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with staff, senior management, and media outlets.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Passion for the mission of The Living Desert.
• Must hold or obtain a valid California driver's license and be insurable under The Living Desert's automobile policy.
• Must be able to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19 including booster.

Conditions of Work:

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Sitting at computer for extended periods of time; occasional standing, walking, bending, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions. Some lifting up to 50 lbs.

DISCOMFORT/RISKS: Occasional exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials.

HOLIDAY WORK: Holiday and weekend work is required. Some evening work is required during special events and fundraising events.

TRAVEL: Conference and workshop attendance available. If funding available some or all expenses paid.