Chief Operating and Strategy Officer | Houston, TX

Chief Operating and Strategy Officer – Space Center Houston (SCH)

Space 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 million 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 (COSO) 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 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.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, forward‑thinking leader with a strong predilection toward action and a proven ability to balance big‑picture vision with exceptional attention to detail in delivering results. They bring significant experience leading complex capital projects and campaigns, particularly within mission‑driven, high‑performing museums or cultural institutions with annual budgets in excess of $20 million. With a background in strategic and operational execution and cross‑functional leadership, this individual excels at aligning departments around shared goals and driving results across the enterprise.

Space Center Houston seeks a senior executive with proven senior management and leadership experience. This individual’s background and experience would include strong business management skills with broad experience managing a full range of operating departments and functions. Experience and achievement in managing large‑scale capital projects is essential, and a deep understanding of the space industry would be highly valued.

Space 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. Additionally, there will be a signing bonus opportunity. The COSO is a member of the executive leadership team and will be eligible to 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. The Center offers strong health insurance offerings inclusive of medical, dental, and vision. In addition, seven paid holidays, 60 hours of paid time off per quarter and the ability to participate in the 403b retirement program.

This position requires that the chosen candidate is a United States citizen for security clearance purposes.

Space Center Houston promotes a culture of respect, inclusivity and collaboration. It is the policy of Space Center Houston to recruit, hire, train and promote staff on the basis of individual qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, veteran status, disability or national origin. It is a policy to conduct our operations in full compliance with all laws and orders pertaining to fair employment practices.

Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and letter of introduction to http : / / www.kittlemansearch.com / space-center-houston-chief-operating-strategy-officer (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). For best consideration, submit your materials by October 20, 2025.

To apply, visit : https : / / apptrkr.com / 6526058

#J-18808-Ljbffr