Chief Operating Officer COO

About the FNPA
The Florida National Parks Association (FNPA) is the official cooperating association and nonprofit partner to Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. The FNPA supports educational, interpretive, historical, and scientific research activities in South Florida’s National Parks. We operate eight in-park stores and three educational Institutes that enrich the visitor’s experience by providing educational and interpretive opportunities while supporting the National Park's mission to protect and preserve.

About the Role

FNPA is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to strengthen internal systems, lead cross-functional operations, and help scale a growing mission-driven organization. The COO is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Executive Director (ED) and serves as FNPA’s day-to-day operational leader. The COO is a trusted partner to the ED and senior staff —balancing strategic operations with hands-on execution and support to ensure operational health and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Organizational Effectiveness

• Manage day-to-day operations across departments, programs, and locations
• Ensure organizational efficiency, clear communication, and strong cross-functional coordination
• Build and maintain scalable systems, processes, and internal documentation to support organizational growth and consistency
• Manage contracts with vendors for office systems and IT for optimization, quality and adequate operational support
• Oversee facilities portfolio, including leases and agreements, coordination of routine and emergency maintenance, and management of improvement and renovation projects

Finance

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations
• Monitor budget performance and manage spending within approved limits
• Provide regular financial reporting and fund balances to the ED
• Support the ED with annual budget planning processes
• Lead annual audit coordination and ensure timely completion of required filings
• Recommend financial policies as needed

Note: Day-to-day accounting, payroll processing, reconciliations, and tax filings are handled by designated staff and external professionals.

People & Culture

• Partner with the Executive Director on workforce planning, organizational design, and succession planning
• Oversee and coordinate HR systems, policies, and benefits administration to ensure consistent and cohesive application across the organization
• Support managers in recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee development
• Develop and manage staff retention and professional development initiatives
• Coordinate with external HR consultants or legal counsel on complex employment matters as needed

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations across all operational areas
• Maintain organizational policies, procedures, and internal documentation
• Oversee workplace safety practices to ensure FNPA is protected and compliant across all operational areas
• Ensure vendors and contractors are in compliance with operational and safety standards, with emphasis on visitor safety
• Oversee insurance renewals and coverage
• Maintain audit-ready records related to insurance, safety, and regulatory requirements

Other

• Support board reporting, strategic planning, and governance processes
• Serve as Acting Executive Director when designated

Work Environment

• On-site at FNPA’s headquarters located inside Everglades National Park in Homestead, FL
• Periodic travel to multiple parks and preserve locations for site visits and operational oversight
• Occasional evening or weekend availability for special events or remote site visits, including Dry Tortugas

Compensation:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position with an annual salary of $80,000 – $90,000, commensurate with experience, plus performance-based bonus potential and monthly vehicle allowance.

FNPA’s benefits package includes contribution toward employee health insurance through a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA), a 401(k) plan with up to a 4% employer match after one year of service, 12 paid holidays annually, and competitive paid time off policy.

Qualifications:

Required

• 6-8 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, finance, or organizational management
• Senior-level experience overseeing financial, HR systems or operations
• Strong understanding of nonprofit operations, compliance, and governance
• Proven ability to manage organizational complexity and risk
• Ability to collaborate across teams and departments
• High level of integrity, discretion, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment

Preferred

• Master’s degree or advanced education
• Experience in growing, changing or multi-site organizations
• Nonprofit or mission‐driven organization experience
• Familiarity with safety, compliance, and/or risk management

To Apply

Please include a resume and cover letter describing how your qualifications align with the position and your potential contributions to the role and organization.

The anticipated start date for this position is Summer 2026. For priority consideration, apply by May 31, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the role.