Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Type:
Salary
Rate:
Range $75,000.00 - $90,000.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
Flexible Schedule
Job Description
Creative Discovery Museum (CDM) is a nationally recognized nonprofit children’s museum located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since its establishment in 1995, CDM has been a leader in offering hands-on, play-based learning experiences that inspire creativity, exploration, innovation, and cultural understanding through arts, sciences, and interactive programs. The museum is dedicated to connecting families with joyful learning opportunities and engaging children of all ages and abilities through immersive exhibits, educational programs, camps, and various community events. Committed to accessibility and inclusion, CDM provides a safe and welcoming environment for every visitor, guided by core values that include belonging,... Show More
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in operations, guest experience, or hospitality management
- Demonstrated success managing staff and budgets
- Ability to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to transport up to 25 pounds as necessary
- Capacity to oversee broader campus areas including outdoor plaza and lawn
- Capability to perform occasional physical tasks such as moving event furniture and safely using a ladder
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Advanced degree in Hospitality, Business, or Facilities Management preferred
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations, guest experience, or hospitality management
- Demonstrated success managing staff, budgets, and cross-functional teams
- Proven leadership in operations, guest experience, or hospitality management in a museum, attraction, or cultural setting
- Inspiring leader who models service excellence and empowers staff
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex operational priorities
- Deep understanding of facilities management, safety regulations, and building systems
- Strategic thinker who connects daily operations to institutional vision and guest experience
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the organization
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with CRM, POS, and IT management systems
Job Duties
- Champion a museum-wide culture of hospitality and service excellence for all guests, members, and partners
- Lead the Director of Guest Relations in delivering exceptional visitor experiences across admissions and onsite celebrations
- Serve as the executive lead for retail and food service strategy, ensuring a seamless guest experience and strong financial performance aligned with hospitality and brand standards
- Oversee CDM’s POS software to ensure reliable daily operations, accurate financial and attendance data, and alignment with guest service and reporting needs across the museum
- Deliver customer service training for all museum staff, grounded in CDM’s SPARK service training program and our culture of play, inclusion, and creativity
- Ensure admissions policies, pricing, and accessibility initiatives reflect CDM’s community-focused mission
- Review Visitor Experience Survey and KPI reports to assess guest satisfaction and service trends
- Collaborate with Finance and CEO to monitor sales revenue, aligning business performance with institutional goals
- Partner with Development and Marketing to enhance visitor engagement and on-site membership conversion
- Lead the Director of Facilities & Maintenance to ensure the museum’s building, grounds, and systems operate at peak functionality, cleanliness, and safety
- Collaborate with Director of Facilities & Maintenance with preventive maintenance, safety protocols, and custodial operations to ensure an exceptional environment for guests and staff
- Support Director of Facilities & Maintenance with vendor relationships and contracts related to janitorial, security, HVAC, and building systems
- Collaborate with Director of Facilities & Maintenance on the management of maintenance budgets, project timelines, and ongoing facility improvements
- Serve as executive lead for safety committee and emergency preparedness, ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations
- Partner with Director of Facilities & Maintenance, CEO, and Finance on capital improvements and long-term infrastructure strategy
- Serve as the executive liaison with the Tennessee Aquarium IT team and other technology partners
- Oversee CDM’s IT strategy, ensuring communication, data integrity, and cybersecurity across departments
- Drive integration of technology that enhances staff collaboration, visitor experience, and operational efficiency
- Evaluate opportunities for digital improvement in guest experience and internal workflows
- Lead continuous improvement in museum operations, ensuring efficiency and collaboration across all departments
- Manage museum-wide Key Performance Indicators (KPI) reporting to promote accountability and data-driven decision making
- Collaborate with department leaders and team members to ensure policies and procedures related to the day-to-day operations of the museum are current and efficient
- Partner with HR and the leadership team to cultivate a workplace culture that reflects CDM’s values of respect, relationships, and excellence in customer service
- Support strategic planning, ensuring operational systems and resources align with institutional goals
Job Qualifications
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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