Vice President Operations

Overview The Vice President of Operations provides strategic leadership across the institution’s operational, commercial, and administrative functions, ensuring excellence in service delivery, financial sustainability, and institutional effectiveness. Overseeing Shared Services, Commercial and Advancement, and Communications and Marketing, the VP plays a central role in aligning museum-wide systems with the institution’s mission and long-term goals. This executive brings a strategic, solutions-oriented mindset and deep experience managing complex infrastructures within cultural or nonprofit environments. The role requires strong financial acumen, operational foresight, and the ability to lead high-performing teams across functions such as facilities, finance, HR, marketing, security, and revenue generation. The VP is a core member of the institution’s leadership team and a key driver of innovation, partnership-building, and adaptive growth in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.

Roles and Responsibilities Strategy and Planning

Lead operational strategy aligned with the institution’s mission and institutional priorities.

Oversee the integration of strategic initiatives across departments and with RAC cultural entities.

Develop and implement strategic operational plans that align with the institution's long-term goals and objectives.

Budget Management

Lead annual budgeting and audit compliance.

Collaborate with the executive team to set and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance with fiscal policies.

Policies, Processes, and Procedures

Supervise legal compliance and institutional risk management.

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of operational processes, implementing improvements as necessary to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

Develop metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess the success of operational initiatives and report on performance to the executive leadership and board.

Functional Accountabilities

Oversee the strategic and day-to-day performance of three key departments : Shared Services, Commercial and Advancement, and Communications and Marketing, ensuring their alignment with the institution’s mission and institutional goals.

Ensure the seamless functioning of building operations, security, visitor services, and front-of-house activities, maintaining a safe, welcoming, and high-quality environment.

Guarantee that internal systems such as finance, HR, procurement, and IT operate efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with national regulations and international standards.

Drive operational alignment with digital platforms and infrastructure, supporting data-informed planning, integration, and delivery across departments.

Provide strategic oversight of revenue-generating functions, including retail, food and beverage, venue hire, licensing, sponsorships, and membership, ensuring commercial offers are visitor-focused and financially sustainable.

Support Advancement in building strong relationships with sponsors, donors, patrons, and institutional partners, and in delivering high-level stakeholder engagement and events.

Lead the Communications and Marketing Department to ensure brand coherence, effective public relations, integrated campaigns, and strong audience engagement across digital and physical platforms.

Spearhead sustainability initiatives that reduce the organization's environmental footprint while promoting energy efficiency, responsible procurement, and conservation awareness.

Represent the institution at industry forums, national platforms, and public engagements, serving as a senior institutional spokesperson and advocate for excellence in operations and community partnership.

Stakeholder Management

Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and partners to support the institution’s programs and initiatives.

People Management

Guide human resource practices including recruitment, staff retention, performance management, and professional development to build a motivated and skilled workforce.

Live by the institution’s values, ethical standards, and governance.

Manage and support team members in performing their tasks in line with established policies and procedures.

Guide, mentor, and develop the operations teams to ensure continuous growth and achievement of functional objectives.

Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional development through coaching and formal evaluations. Delegate authority appropriately to empower team members and encourage accountability.

Contribute to workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management while promoting employee engagement and motivation.

Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with the institution’s values.

Promote innovation and contribute to a positive, inspiring, and diverse workplace.

Maintain high personal standards and ensure excellence across the section.

Job Qualifications and Requirements Knowledge and Experience

Experience in complex institutions; cultural sector background preferred.

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in operations management, specifically within the cultural, nonprofit, or museum sector.

Proven track record of developing and executing operational strategies that lead to efficient and effective organizational processes.

Experience in budget preparation and financial management, with the ability to analyze financial reports and make data-driven decisions.

Strong knowledge of operations, including exhibition design, collections management, education programs, and visitor engagement.

Demonstrated experience in leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative work environment and culture of accountability.

Previous involvement in fundraising or development initiatives with a focus on building sustainable revenue streams for the organization.

Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local regulations concerning operations, collections management, and public engagement.

Education and Certifications

Bachelor’s in business, Administration, or related field, or equivalent; master’s preferred.

Personal capabilities and qualifications

Strategic, collaborative, ethically grounded, and systems-oriented leader.

Strategic thinking abilities to develop long-term operational plans that align with institutional goals.

Exceptional financial acumen related to budget development, financial analysis, and resource allocation.

Strong leadership and managerial skills to inspire and guide a diverse team towards achieving collective goals.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proficiency in public speaking and stakeholder engagement.

Advanced problem-solving capabilities to navigate complex operational challenges efficiently.

Ability to foster collaborative inter-departmental relationships to achieve organizational objectives.

Proficient project management skills, with an emphasis on planning, execution, and timeline management.

In-depth understanding of current trends and issues in the museum and cultural sector to inform operational strategies.

Experience with digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiencies and visitor engagement.

Advocacy skills to promote the institution’s programs and mission effectively to external audiences.

Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and strategically about complex operational challenges.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including board members, donors, and community partners.

Ability to advocate for and promote the institution's mission, vision, and values within the community and professional networks.

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Other

Industries

Human Resources Services and Museums

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