Chief Operating and Strategy Officer, Space Center ...

OverviewSpace Center Houston (SCH) is a nonprofit science and space exploration learning destination with extensive education programs. The Center is the cornerstone of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Manned Space Flight Education Foundation’s science learning mission and offers unique exhibits, space exploration artifacts, immersive experiences, public programs, learning programs for youth and adults, live presentations and hands-on activities that tell the story of NASA’s human space flight program from its beginnings to the challenges and opportunities of today, the evolving commercial space flight sector and plans for the future.SCH’s 250,000 square-foot learning complex welcomes over 1.3 visitors annually, including more than 250,000 educators and youth through field trips and facilitated educational programs. Visitors from around the world enjoy opportunities to view more than 400 space artifacts and changing exhibits related to America’s achievement in space, as well as go behind the scenes on tours of JSC laboratories and research facilities, including the historic Apollo Mission Control Room; the Vehicle Mockup Facility, housing a full-scale engineering model of the International Space Station, astronaut training areas and a robotics laboratory; and Rocket Park, where a Saturn V rocket is on exhibit.Space Center Houston employs approximately 300 full- and part-time staff and engages over 100 volunteers who contribute over 11,000 hours of service annually. The annual operating budget of SCH is close to $50 million.As the Center has grown and become more complex, the need for a Chief Operating and Strategy Officer has emerged. This role, which is new to the organization, will be heavily focused on operations but this leader will need to be almost equally focused on strategic execution. Reporting to the President & CEO, and in partnership with the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, the Chief Operating and Strategy Officer (COSO) will serve as the executive management leader responsible for devising, coordinating, and facilitating the key actions, activities, and initiatives that are critical in implementing the museum/'s strategic vision and facilities master plan.ResponsibilitiesNote: The following reflects the role expectations as described in the position guide and related materials:The COSO will be a senior executive with proven senior management and leadership experience, capable of managing a full range of operating departments and functions. This includes strong business management skills with broad experience, and a track record of delivering results in mission-driven environments. The COSO should have significant experience leading complex capital projects and campaigns, particularly within museums or cultural institutions with annual budgets in excess of $20 million. They will align departments around shared goals, drive cross-functional collaboration, and execute strategic and operational initiatives across the enterprise. A deep understanding of the space industry is highly valued.Qualifications• Strategic, forward-thinking leader with a predilection toward action and attention to detail in delivering results. • Significant experience leading complex capital projects and campaigns. • Background in strategic and operational execution and cross-functional leadership. • Experience in mission-driven museums or cultural institutions with annual budgets above $20 million. • Broad business management skills and experience managing a full range of operating departments and functions. • Deep understanding of the space industry is highly pensation and BenefitsSpace Center Houston offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The salary target for this position is around $300,000 and will be commensurate with experience. A signing bonus opportunity is available. The COSO is a member of the executive leadership team and may participate in the Senior Management Incentive Plan, which includes a year-end bonus of up to 10% of earnings for the year based on individual and organizational performance. Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental and vision), seven paid holidays, 60 hours of Paid Time Off per quarter, and participation in the 403b retirement program.RequirementsThis position requires that the chosen candidate is a United States citizen for security clearance purposes.ApplicationSpace Center Houston is accepting applications and nominations through Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and a letter of introduction to on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). For best consideration, please submit materials by October 20, 2025.For more information about Space Center Houston please visit Friday, August 29, 2025Job # 379To apply, visit: #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17