Chief Operating Officer Position Profile

ABOUT NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre non-profit destination featuring some of the world's most diverse plant communities and interesting cultures between the 26th latitude north where Naples, FL is situated, and the 26th latitude south. Their subtropical location gives them the opportunity to showcase gardens that represent countries and regions from between these latitudes as they encircle the globe.

Naples Botanical Garden is the youngest garden in history to receive the American Public Gardens Association’s prestigious Award for Garden Excellence in 2017.

Map of Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden conserves the plants and habitats of the tropics, cultivates beauty, offers knowledge, and inspires the protection of nature.

2023 Events Calendar

IN THE NEWS

Naples Botanical Garden's Summer Exhibition Features Inspiring Mexican Painter

Naples Botanical Garden Returns After Hurricane Ian, Excited for New Exhibit

Naples Botanical Garden and Conservation Collier team up to restore a disappearing ecosystem

POSITION OVERVIEW

Naples Botanical Garden is currently seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join their team. This individual will work in close coordination with the President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Staff, and Board members to provide supportive leadership to Naples Botanical Garden’s high functioning core operating groups of finance, human resources, marketing, volunteer coordination, information technology, and facility management. The Chief Operating Officer will have the unique opportunity to play a direct role helping to shape the strategic and operational direction of the organization.

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for ensuring the long-term fiscal health and viability of the institution by ensuring that strategic and annual planning are properly coordinated and tracked with visible metrics. The Chief Operating Officer will serve as a leader and collaborator on organizational matters and will lead efforts for process improvements and performance enhancements across the organization, specifically regarding revenue recognition.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide sound decision-making in support of Naples Botanical Garden’s strategies and mission.
Contribute to the development and execution of strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.
Drive revenue strategy and goals for tickets sales, events, retail, and café.
Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues.
Champion organization-wide initiatives on becoming a more equitable and inclusive institution.
Enhance, develop, recommend, and implement policies, procedures, and systems that improve the overall culture and value of Naples Botanical Garden.
Deliver successful outcomes on key digital transformation projects via effective project management.
Aid in the development of business continuity and disaster recovery plans while maintaining current knowledge of plan executables.
Work collaboratively to create and lead a system of robust, data-driven, continuous quality improvements that inform and connect practice, training, and employee development.
Review contractual agreements (procurement/partnerships) to ensure strategy and terms are aligned with the mission and best interests of Naples Botanical Garden.
Oversee exhibitions, events, facilities, maintenance, café, and gift shop
Provide goal setting, visioning, leadership, and strategic direction for the marketing, information technology, financial, and human resource teams.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Strong interest in the mission and programs of the Naples Botanical Garden, and an appreciation for conservation and wildlife.
Bachelor’s degree required; MBA degree preferred.
10 or more years successfully leading complex operations including finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities management.
Understanding of the culture and structure of the nonprofit sector; knowledge of Florida’s philanthropic community preferred.
Experience with ticketed events, attractions, tours and/or retail preferred.
Demonstrated ability to provide management oversight, team leadership and direction.
Success ensuring budgeting, financial management, and development supports near and long-term needs and objectives.
Experience translating strategic vision into operational success; experience setting and measuring performance against targets within a complex and evolving operational environment.
Demonstrated track record in change management; experience developing and implementing strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth; experience with scaling programs and/or organizations.
The ability to quickly adapt plans as new opportunities and challenges emerge using advanced problem solving and process improvement skills; ability to be both strategic and tactical.
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to motivate and coach others to perform at high levels in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Able to communicate effectively, both one-on-one and in groups, with diverse audiences of internal and external stakeholders; prior experience working with a Board of Directors and communicating the financial health of the organization is preferred.
Strong presentation and negotiation skills; able to effectively represent Naples Botanical Garden and its programs.
Experience with the variety of computer applications and technology that support the organization; Must be tech-savvy.
Commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS

Results-Oriented

The successful candidate must be performance-driven and able to provide measurable results. This individual will be resourceful, action-oriented, as well as a flexible and decisive manager who establishes clarity during distractions to produce results in a timely fashion. They will provide clear direction and establish achievable goals.