Chief Operating Officer

~ As a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, Western National Parks Association (WNPA) supports 67 parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enrich the visitor experience. ~

Since 1938, WNPA has worked to connect new generations to parks in meaningful ways, all with one simple goal: create advocates who want to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time.

Throughout its 75-year history, WNPA has provided millions of dollars in support to national parks. Today, it operates more than 80 Park Stores in partner parks. Proceeds from sales are the number one way WNPA provides support, working with partner parks to develop educational publications and products, design programs to increase park visitation, and fund historical, social, and environmental research.

Everything WNPA does ensures that the experience people have in parks is meaningful and that visitors can extend their experience by discovering relevant products in the Park Stores. Its flagship store and event center in Tucson, Arizona has become an urban gateway to the national park experience, and it is creating other urban experiences to expose new audiences to national parks. Click here for more information. 

Position Overview

Western National Parks Association (WNPA) seeks a mission-focused, seasoned, and process-oriented Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure WNPA has the resources, controls, and systems in place to effectively grow the organization and maximize its financial strength and operating efficiency.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in a rapidly-evolving, highly respected organization. We seek an individual of exceptional quality with a significant track record turning strategy into operational and financial success.

As WNPA evolves, the Chief Executive Officer's (CEO) responsibilities are transitioning from an internal focus to an emphasis on business development and external relationship management. This creates the need for a COO, who will lead the execution of strategies developed by the senior management team, drive day-to-day operations across departments, and deliver sound financial results and quality services to stakeholders.

Reporting to the CEO and working in WNPA headquarters, the COO will oversee and integrate WNPA's finance, technology, creative services, retail operations, education and outreach, purchasing, warehouse, and marketing functions.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The COO will lead all of WNPA's staff, systems, processes, workflows, and procedures within the scope of her/his responsibility, as well as perform the following and other duties as assigned:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management that mirrors the core values of WNPA.
• Design a framework that translates strategy into operations.
• Recommend changes to address capacity and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the management team to develop and implement plans designed to achieve sales, profitability, tactical, and strategic goals.
• Serve as the integrator among organizational functions: identify ways to streamline processes, combine assets, breakdown functional and geographical barriers, and transfer best practices.
• Provide a strong, empathetic leadership presence and model respectful, approachable, accessible management for all staff. 
• Foster a strong team approach and collaborative decision making.
• Align employee performance with organizational goals.
• Define and monitor key impact measurements.
• Execute the approved budget and promote cost containment.
• Lead and manage change: execute transformational initiatives and help shape WNPA's future.
• Report and communicate operational information to stakeholders.
• Ensure the delivery of quality services to customers.
• Attain short-and long-term financial and operational goals.

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years retail or service industry management experience, including 5 years at an executive level. Not-for-profit experience desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years retail or service industry management experience, 5 years at an executive level. 
• Not-for-profit experience desirable.
• Results-proven track record of exceeding goals.
• Evidence of building operational and organizational capacity.
• Thorough understanding of finance and retail and/or service operations including P&L management.
• Broad experience with a full range of business functions including strategic planning, marketing, information systems, and organizational development.
• Excellent communications skills, with proven ability to connect to people on both an individual and group level.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills with the ability to inspire confidence, respect, and trust.
• A proactive approach.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to focus on day-to-day needs and future direction. 
• Ability to lead while serving and check ego at the door.
• Proven ability to balance operational and service requirements against the reality of a budget.
• Experience with and comfort in managing in three directions: 1) downward, with the WNPA workforce; 2) upwards, with the CEO and WNPA's board of directors; and 3) outwards, with the National Park Service and associated stakeholders. 
• Commitment to WNPA's mission and values.

Compensation: WNPA offers an excellent benefits package ( e.g., medical, dental, vision, life insurance; generous paid time off; and a retirement plan offering a substantial employer match after one year of service) and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. 

To Apply

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must follow the link below to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. CEA Recruiting is assisting WNPA with this search. Please direct all applications and inquiries to CEA Recruiting. This position will remain open until filled.

~ WNPA is an equal opportunity employer ~

CEA Recruiting works with leading environmental nonprofits, foundations, and businesses to recruit top talent and design effective organizational staffing strategies. For more information, click here.