Chief Operating Officer

Pacific Science Center • Seattle, WA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Pacific Science Center (PacSci) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational excellence, ensure the integrity of physical and technical infrastructure, and enhance the guest experience. This executive leader will also champion a People & Culture strategy to strengthen organizational resilience and team engagement. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the COO is a key strategic partner to the CEO and CFO, holding executive accountability for the Operations division within PacSci’s five-pillar governance structure. The COO will align daily operational activities, policies, and cross-functional teams with institutional mission goals, budget parameters, safety standards, and long-term strategic plans. PacSci is undergoing a period of operational renewal, and the incoming COO will be instrumental in modernizing enterprise systems, strengthening campus infrastructure, and building a high-performing operations division to support future growth. As a core member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO will lead internal communications and manage a layered management structure of Department Directors, providing strategic vision, executive accountability, and resource alignment while empowering operational leaders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive senior executive operational experience within a non-profit, cultural institution, science center, museum, public venue, or complex multi-faceted organization.
• Proven experience leading through a layered management structure rather than direct individual-contributor supervision.
• Direct oversight experience across Facilities, HR/People Operations, Safety/Security, and IT.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-million dollar operational and capital budgets.
• Strong executive acumen with a track record of translating strategic vision into scalable operational workflows.
• Deep functional knowledge of facility operations, enterprise IT systems, public safety protocols, and employment law compliance.
• Exceptional interpersonal and change-management leadership skills.
• High analytical rigor, sound judgment, and resilience under shifting priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO, CFO, and executive leadership to establish long-term institutional strategy, annual operating plans, and capital budgets.
• Present operational metrics to the Board of Directors as requested.
• Ensure seamless execution of daily physical facility operations, safety protocols, and custodial practices to deliver exceptional, accessible guest and employee experience.
• Direct operating and capital budgets across all assigned operational departments in close partnership with the CFO; drive cost management, vendor negotiations, and resource allocation.
• Oversee the evolution and security of enterprise technology systems, administrative tools, and operational workflows.
• Guide People & Culture leaders to cultivate an inclusive, compliant, and highly engaged workplace environment centered on trust and strong inter-departmental communication.
• Ensure organizational compliance with local, state, and federal laws, employment regulations, EHS guidelines, and emergency management protocols.
• Serve as an operational anchor guiding leadership teams and staff through evolving structural, technological, and procedural transformations.
• Perform other executive-level duties as assigned by the President & CEO.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive