Job Details

Overview

Chief Operating and Strategy Officer, Space Center Houston

Kittleman and Associates - Houston, TX, United States

Space Center Houston (SCH) is a nonprofit science and space exploration learning destination with education programs. The Center is the cornerstone of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Manned Space Flight Education Foundation's science learning mission and offers 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 today, the evolving commercial space flight sector and plans for the future. SCH's 250,000 square-foot complex welcomes over 1.3 million visitors annually, including more than 250,000 educators and youth through field trips and facilitated programs.

The Center employs approximately 300 staff and engages over 100 volunteers. The annual operating budget is close to $50 million.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the executive management leader responsible for devising, coordinating, and facilitating key actions, activities, and initiatives that implement the museum's strategic vision and facilities master plan.
• Lead operations with a strong emphasis on strategic execution, partnering with the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and reporting to the President & CEO.
• Balance big-picture strategic planning with meticulous operational delivery, ensuring alignment across departments and driving results across the enterprise.
• Provide oversight of complex capital projects and campaigns, with experience in mission-driven, high-performing organizations where annual budgets exceed $20 million.
• Foster cross-functional leadership, build collaborative teams, and manage stakeholder expectations to advance SCH's goals.

Qualifications

• Strategic, forward-thinking leader with proven experience in operational execution and cross-functional leadership.
• Significant experience leading complex capital projects and campaigns within mission-driven museums or cultural institutions.
• Strong business management skills with broad experience across operating departments and functions.
• Deep understanding of the space industry is highly valued.
• Experience with large-scale capital projects is essential.
• U.S. citizenship required for security clearance purposes.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary target around $300,000, commensurate with experience, plus signing bonus opportunity.
• Eligibility for the Senior Management Incentive Plan with a year-end bonus up to 10% of earnings based on performance.
• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision), seven paid holidays, 60 hours of Paid Time Off per quarter, and participation in the 403(b) retirement program.

Additional Notes

U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance purposes. Space Center Houston promotes a culture of respect, inclusivity and collaboration and complies with fair employment practices.

Application

Applications and nominations are being accepted by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please submit a current resume and letter of introduction at the URL below. For best consideration, submit materials by October 20, 2025.

Apply at: Operating and Strategy Officer%2C Space Center Houston

For more information about Space Center Houston, please visit www.spacecenter.org.