Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Discovery Center Collective: Don Harrington Discovery Center & Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

Job Title: Director of Operations
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Position Overview

The Director of Operations leads the systems, people, facilities and daily operations that create a safe, engaging, and well-run experience across Discovery Center Collective. This position oversees internal systems, physical facilities and grounds, and aspects of exhibits and visitor experience, while providing leadership for operational systems, purchasing, vendor coordination, and processes that support efficient and consistent operations across both locations.

As a member of the leadership team, the Director balances organizational planning with hands-on operational leadership, working closely with department leaders to ensure DCC's programs, services, facilities, and operational resources function effectively.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Systems & Process Management

• Oversee operational systems supporting admissions, memberships, ticketing, reservations, rentals, and other visitor-facing transactions.
• Serve as the functional owner for designated operational platforms, including Altru museum management software, other museum and booking platforms, and those implemented in future. 
• Establish and maintain consistent operational procedures, workflows, documentation, and training standards.
• Coordinate system configuration, troubleshooting, updates, and vendor support.
• Ensure appropriate system access and training for employees using operational platforms.
• Monitor operational reporting and transaction data to support decision-making and process improvements.
• Collaborate with CEO and other team members ensure appropriate financial controls, reconciliation, and accurate transaction reporting.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce duplication, and improve system effectiveness.

Purchasing, Inventory & Vendor Management

• Oversee operational purchasing and procurement processes across DCC.
• Coordinate purchasing needs, vendor relationships, and inventory management for assigned operational areas.
• Establish consistent purchasing procedures and approval workflows in partnership with CEO and other team members.
• Evaluate vendor services, pricing, contracts, and purchasing practices to support operational efficiency and responsible resource management.
• Coordinate purchasing and inventory processes supporting retail, concessions, exhibits, facilities, and other operational functions.
• Ensure purchases align with approved budgets, organizational priorities, and established financial controls.

Facilities Management and Exhibits Support

• Ensure facilities, grounds, exhibits, and public spaces are safe, functional, clean, and appropriately maintained.
• Support the installation, maintenance, functionality, and improvement of exhibits and interactive environments.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and priorities for facilities, exhibits, and equipment.
• Support appropriate standards for animal care, safety, and habitat standards through repairs and maintenance of animal exhibits and experiences.
• Coordinate repairs, inspections, contractors, and maintenance vendors.
• Identify and prioritize facility improvements, equipment needs, and capital projects.
• Oversee custodial operations and facility readiness.
• Coordinate with Education Department as needed to ensure exhibits and facilities support intended learning outcomes.
• Support as liaison for vendors such as insurance companies, OSHA, city and state as needed.
• Support organizational emergency preparedness, physical safety procedures, and facility-related risk management. 

Technology & Operational Infrastructure

• Coordinate technology needs related to operational systems, facilities, equipment, and visitor-facing services.
• Serve as a liaison with technology vendors and external IT providers for assigned operational platforms.
• Support implementation, training, and ongoing effectiveness of approved operational technology.
• Partner with the CEO and other staff regarding financial systems, payroll systems, access controls, and administrative technology needs.
• Coordinate with qualified external providers on technical issues, cybersecurity, and infrastructure concerns.

Visitor Experience Support

• Provide leadership and support for daily operations across both DCC locations.
• Establish and maintain operational standards that support safety, efficiency, consistency, and a positive guest experience.
• Work with and support the Manager of Visitor Experience, ensuring appropriate staffing, training, service standards, and operational accountability.
• Support admissions, memberships, retail, concessions, rentals, and other visitor-facing operations through the Manager of Visitor Experience.
• Evaluate operational performance, guest feedback, and organizational needs to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate operational readiness for programs, special events, rentals, and other organizational activities.
• Support resolution of significant operational challenges and escalated guest concerns.

Department Leadership & Organizational Collaboration

• Lead and develop assigned employees and functional teams, including facilities and grounds, operational support staff, and others.
• Establish department goals, priorities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Partner with Fractional HR regarding hiring, employee relations, performance management, training, and workforce planning.
• Develop and manage operational budgets in collaboration with the CEO and other team members.
• Identify staffing, equipment, technology, facility, and capital needs and make appropriate recommendations.
• Collaborate with Education, Marketing & Advancement, and other departments to support programs, events, organizational initiatives, and revenue-generating activities.
• Participate as an active member of the organizational leadership team.
• Communicate operational priorities, challenges, risks, and opportunities to the CEO.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, hospitality, museum studies, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in operations, facilities, visitor attractions, hospitality, museums, or a related environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising employees and managing through other supervisors or managers.
• Experience overseeing multiple operational functions, systems, vendors, or facilities.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, purchasing, inventory, and technology-supported workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, projects, competing priorities, and operational challenges.
• Experience with public-facing facilities, exhibits, or animal care environments is beneficial; expertise in every functional area is not required.
• Ability to work within a high-energy, passionate and collaborative team environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, judgment, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Operational leadership 
• Team development; guest experience 
• Facilities and exhibit management
• Purchasing and vendor coordination 
• Systems administration
• Process improvement
• Project management 
• Budgeting
• Safety and risk awareness
• Prioritization
• Cross-functional collaboration

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Work is performed across DCC facilities, including public spaces, offices, exhibit areas, outdoor environments, and operational areas.
• Requires regular walking, standing, and movement throughout facilities, with occasional bending, reaching, and lifting associated with operational oversight.
• Ability to work at a computer and use standard office and operational technology.
• Occasional evenings, weekends, and schedule adjustments may be required for events, emergencies, and organizational needs.
• Work may involve exposure to outdoor conditions, animals, equipment, and active public environments.