Chief Adventure Officer

Natural Habitat Adventures • Louisville, CO

4d • $170,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Adventure Officer (CAO) is a core member of Nat Hab’s executive leadership team and is responsible for translating the company’s strategic vision into best-in-class global adventure operations. This role holds ultimate accountability for the performance and continuous evolution of the entire Adventure Operations team, including all office team members, field team members, and execution partners worldwide. The CAO ensures Nat Hab’s adventures are flawlessly executed, operationally resilient, environmentally responsible, and consistently industry-leading in guest experience. This leader integrates strategic planning with day-to-day operational oversight, guiding the organization through growth, complexity, and innovation across all programs, geographies, and operational functions.

Requirements

• 10-15+ years of experience in operations management, logistics, or related disciplines, preferably in travel, adventure tourism, hospitality, or service industries.
• 7+ years of senior leadership experience overseeing multi-layered and geographically distributed teams.
• Proven expertise in operational strategy, organizational leadership, process development, and large-scale change management.
• Strong analytical competency with the ability to synthesize data and translate insights into strategic and operational action.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets, financial planning, and vendor negotiations.
• Deep commitment to guest experience, sustainability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Direction
• Refine and lead the strategic direction for global adventure operations in partnership with the CEO and President.
• Ensure alignment with Nat Hab’s mission, growth objectives, and service standards across all programs and geographies.
• Drive innovation in trip operations, field team management, logistics, partner relationships, and program delivery to enhance quality, efficiency, and scalability.
• Establish enterprise-wide operational frameworks, policies, and best practices.
• Use operational data, performance metrics, and emerging trends to anticipate needs, solve complex challenges, and guide decision-making.
• People Leadership & Organizational Development
• Lead Senior Vice Presidents of Operations, the Vice President of Field Team, and other direct reports to ensure cohesive, high-performing global execution.
• Foster a values-driven culture centered on communication, accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Direct organizational design, leadership development, succession planning, and staffing structures across all Adventure Operations teams.
• Serve as the top decision-maker for operational resourcing, capacity planning, and cross-functional coordination.
• Conduct performance evaluations and guide professional development and talent growth throughout the division.
• Operational Excellence, Quality Delivery & Partner Management
• Ensure all trips meet Nat Hab’s standards for safety, quality, environmental stewardship, and guest delight.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of trip execution, from planning through on-the-ground delivery.
• Oversee integration of Field Team management into trip delivery to ensure consistent, equitable global practices, including leadership support for decisions on hiring, scheduling, and training.
• Manage global vendor and partner relationships, including contracting, performance oversight, and compliance with operational requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, technology adoption, cost management, and operational innovation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Trip Operations, Field Team, Sustainability, Sales, Guest Services, Finance, HR, Marketing, and Risk Management Committee to ensure operational readiness and exceptional guest experiences.
• Financial Stewardship, Risk Management & Compliance
• Oversee operational budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance for the Adventure Operations division.
• Monitor operating costs, resource utilization, and vendor pricing to ensure financial sustainability and profitability.
• Partner with Finance to assess program performance, identify risks, and pursue opportunities for efficiency and growth.
• Serve as the executive owner of operational safety standards, risk mitigation practices, and compliance protocols across all destinations.
• Lead incident response and partner with the executive team on crisis communication and resolution.
• Ensure adherence to global regulatory requirements, environmental guidelines, and ethical operating practices.
• Executive Leadership & Organizational Impact
• Contribute to company-wide strategic planning, decision-making, and long-term visioning as a key member of the executive team.
• Unite the Adventure Operations leadership team under a cohesive operational culture with shared frameworks, consistent expectations, and aligned priorities.
• Champion Nat Hab’s operational excellence and on-trip guest experience standards, ensuring every adventure embodies our commitment to conservation-focused exploration and responsible travel.

Benefits

• This role includes a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k)-retirement plan; generous paid time off; and paid holidays.
• Additional perks include annual opportunities for paid travel on Nat Hab adventures, complimentary stays at our Colorado mountain house, access to our near-office house (The Nest), significant discounts with partner travel companies, and pro-deal pricing on outdoor gear.
• Our Louisville, Colorado office also offers scenic trails, an on-site fitness facility, and a café serving daily breakfast, lunch, and locally roasted coffee.
• Benefits are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees