Chief Operating Officer

DONALD DANFORTH PLANT SCIENCE CENTER•Olivette, MO

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for providing strategic, operational, financial, and organizational leadership to ensure the organization’s stability, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. The COO oversees: Finance, People & Culture, Development, Marketing and Communications, Sponsored Research Compliance, Information Technology, Events and Café, and Security. This role leads and aligns these critical functions to support the organization’s mission, advance operational excellence, strengthen organizational culture, and steward resources with integrity and foresight. The COO partners closely with the President, Executive Leadership Team, Board committees, scientific and administrative leaders, and external stakeholders to drive financial performance, enhance operational capability, advance people and culture strategies, and strengthen organizational visibility, engagement, and resilience.

Requirements

Passion for the Center's mission and commitment to excellence.
Strategic thinker and collaborative partner with strong problem-solving skills.
Advanced knowledge of business operations, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and scenario modeling.
Proven ability to lead change, build consensus, and mentor senior staff.
Strong decision-making, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability to diagnose problems quickly and anticipate changes.
Skilled in data analysis, performance metrics, and operational planning.
Adaptive, forward-thinking leader with integrity and resilience.
Emotional intelligence, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
Master’s degree in business, operations, or related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
10+ years of experience leading operational functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with international operations and cross-cultural organizational contexts preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to enterprise-wide strategy, organizational planning, and decision-making.
Translate strategic priorities into operational plans that enable sustainable growth, operational effectiveness, mission delivery, workforce engagement, and financial health.
Oversee operations for Finance, People & Culture, Development, Marketing and Communications, Sponsored Research Compliance, Information Technology, Events and Café, and Security.
Integrate and align cross-functional operations to optimize service delivery, reduce redundancy, and strengthen organizational resilience.
Partner with leadership team members to align priorities across operations, people, advancement, and communications functions to meet organizational needs and drive efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.
Analyze internal operations, processes, talent strategies, and technology to identify and implement improvements.
Lead enterprise-wide risk management, ensuring systems, processes, and operations uphold a high standard of compliance, safety, and business continuity.
Provide strategic oversight of Facilities and IT to maintain a secure, reliable infrastructure and to guide long-term lifecycle planning that supports timely asset renewal and replacement.
Oversee maintenance and construction projects to sustain the Center’s state-of-the-art campus.
Lead enterprise strategy and execution by aligning financial stewardship, capital planning, and operational performance to sustain long-term growth and resilience.
Serve as primary liaison with BRDG Park building managers, developers, and tenants to support infrastructure, site maintenance, and adherence to the Site Master Plan.
Serve as a primary liaison to Board committees providing timely, clear, and accurate updates, reports, and presentations to support governance and oversight.
Build, develop, and mentor high-performing teams across operational functions, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service.
Promote a culture of operational transparency, customer service, and partnership across scientific and administrative areas.
Foster a values-based culture by living the Danforth Center’s values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship.
Perform other duties as assigned.