COO
: Job Details :

Position Summary

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) will oversee the Sales + Events and Park Operations teams, focusing on driving long-term strategic revenue growth and operational excellence. The COO will be responsible for ensuring that existing business lines meet or exceed financial projections, developing new business lines that align with the Conservancys mission, and overseeing the execution of these new initiatives, including managing any necessary capital improvements to support their successful launch. Additionally, the COO will ensure the professional development of team members and maintain high standards for park function, aesthetic, and safety. This role is responsible for translating the CEOs strategic vision into actionable plans and delivering high-quality experiences for the Conservancys visitors, partners, and stakeholders, while ensuring that the Conservancy is positioned for growth and future success.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to

Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and CFO to develop and implement long-term strategic plans that support the Conservancys mission and drive sustainable growth. Provide operational insights and recommendations to shape the organizations future direction.
• Collaborate with the CEO and CFO to design and optimize the organizational structure, ensuring that it aligns with the Conservancys mission and strategic objectives, and that all teams are positioned for operational success.
• Provide executive leadership to the Sales + Events and Park Operations teams, ensuring that they operate efficiently and align with the Conservancys strategic goals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and alignment across departments by leading cross-functional initiatives, ensuring that all teams work cohesively towards the Conservancys mission and strategic goals.
• Model leadership qualities that promote high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the implementation of systems in collaboration with department leaders to ensure efficient day-to-day operations, on-going maintenance, and the ability to respond promptly to incidents, visitor inquiries, complaints, and unforeseen challenges.

Strategic Revenue Growth

• Lead initiatives to improve business development pipelines, focusing on identifying new revenue opportunities and optimizing existing revenue streams. Collaborate with the CEO, CFO, and other leaders to implement strategies for long-term financial sustainability.
• Oversee strategic projects aimed at increasing revenue, such as developing additional event spaces and enhancing park programming. Ensure these projects are executed on time, within budget, and deliver the expected financial outcomes.

Large-Scale Planning and Project Management

• Work alongside the CEO to identify, prioritize, and execute large-scale planning projects, such as a Trails Master Plan, a revised Safety Plan, and a Conservation Resource Management Plan. Ensure alignment with the Conservancys long-term strategic vision, operational needs and collaboration across teams.
• Lead large-scale, Park enhancement initiatives, such as erosion mitigation and infrastructure improvements. Manage planning, budgeting, execution, and evaluation to meet quality, safety, and environmental standards.

Professional Development

• Lead efforts to ensure the continuous professional development of the Sales and Events and Park Operations teams. Implement training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement pathways to foster staff growth and retention.
• Inspire and guide department leaders and their teams to achieve operational excellence. Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all operational areas.

Quality Control for Park Function, Aesthetics, and Safety

• Work with Operations team leadership to implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures to ensure that SFP functions efficiently and with attention to long-term preventative maintenance and budget projections.
• Work closely with the Park Operations team to maintain and enhance SFP visual appeal, ensuring that all facilities, landscapes, and public spaces reflect the Conservancys commitment to quality and sustainability.
• Work closely with the Sales and Events team to ensure high satisfaction rates and quality service delivery to all clients and customers.
• Oversee the development and enforcement of safety protocols to protect visitors, staff, and the environment. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices in park operations.

Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

• Continuously seek opportunities to innovate and improve the Conservancys operations and visitor experience. Implement best practices, streamline processes, and adopt new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, community partners, and the board of directors, to build support for strategic initiatives and secure the resources needed to achieve the Conservancys goals.

Contracts and Legal Liaison

• Vendor Relations: Oversee and manage relationships with vendors, ensuring services are delivered according to agreements and maintaining strong, productive partnerships.
• Contract Management: Review, negotiate, and manage contracts with vendors, partners, and service providers.
• Legal Liaison: Work with legal counsel to mitigate legal risks, ensure compliance with regulations, and represent SFPC in any unforeseen legal matters. Address legal issues related to operations, contracts, or incidents as they arise.

Qualifications

Experience

• Bachelors degree in business administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field is required.
• A masters degree in business administration (MBA), Nonprofit Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong business acumen and a solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and forecasting, with the ability to align financial goals with the organization's mission.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, continuous improvement, and operations management.
• Proven experience managing teams and complex projects.
• Strong background in strategic planning, project management, and business development.

Strategic Mindset

• Ability to translate strategic goals into operational plans and execute them effectively, with a focus on long-term sustainability and growth.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify trends, assess risks, and make data-driven decisions.

Leadership Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse teams to achieve common goals, particularly in a mission-driven environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, with a track record of making informed, timely decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Operational and Strategic Expertise

• Understanding of operational processes and best practices, including resource allocation, quality control, and process improvement.
• Experience in leading strategic revenue growth initiatives, including developing new business opportunities and optimizing existing revenue streams.
• Expertise in managing capital improvement projects and complex planning initiatives.

Company Summary

About Shelby Farms Park At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee is one of the largest urban parks in the country. The Park features miles of paved and unpaved trails, dozens of lakes and ponds, the internationally recognized and sustainably designed Woodland Discovery Playground, a buffalo herd, the FedEx Event Center, a water play sprayground, an outdoor event stage overlooking an 80-acre lake, a treetop adventure course and more.

About Shelby Farms Park Conservancy

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) is the nonprofit that manages and cares for Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, TN. SFPC is responsible for daily management, fundraising to meet operational budget needs, setting the vision for the Parks future, and stewarding its natural resources. SFPC team members are committed to our vision of creating a celebrated 21st-century park that defines and shapes a great city and that provides inclusive, equitable, and free access for each and every resident of the Memphis area.