Description

The Florida Holocaust Museum – St. Petersburg, FL

The Florida Holocaust Museum is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Chief Operating Officer to serve as a key executive leader and thought partner to the President & CEO. This is an opportunity to help guide one of the nation’s leading Holocaust museums through its next chapter of growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

The COO will oversee museum operations while translating big-picture strategy into action. We are looking for a collaborative executive with strong nonprofit or museum experience who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about preserving history, honoring survivors of the Holocaust, and achieving operational excellence in support of a mission. 

This is an on-site executive leadership role based in St. Petersburg and Largo, Florida.

About The Florida Holocaust Museum

One of the largest Holocaust museums in the United States and one of only three AAM-accredited Holocaust museums, The Florida Holocaust Museum is dedicated to honoring the memory of millions who suffered or perished in the Holocaust while teaching future generations the value of human dignity and the responsibility to prevent genocide.

The Museum houses a world-class permanent exhibition, an outstanding art collection, and the largest Holocaust research library in the Southeastern United States. Our work extends beyond preservation — we engage communities, educate audiences of all ages, and serve as a powerful center for reflection and learning.  The Museum is also home to the collection of Professor Elie Wiesel and nearly 30,000 artifacts and objects and is embarking on another major renovation and building project.

The Museum owns two multi-thousand square-foot-buildings and supports its administrative staff in an offsite professional office setting.  In addition, the Museum will be entering a strategic planning process in spring 2026 as well as the AAM reaccreditation process in early 2027.

Learn more: www.thefhm.org

The Role

The Chief Operating Officer provides executive leadership over the Museum’s operational infrastructure, including:

• Facilities and capital projects
• Security and safety
• Information technology
• Finance and human resources operations
• Vendor and contract management

The COO partners closely with the President & CEO and senior leadership team to align operations with institutional priorities and long-term strategic goals. This role ensures that the Museum’s infrastructure supports and will scale with its mission, public engagement, and continued growth.

The COO may represent the Museum externally and is expected to be a visible, trusted leader across departments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the President & CEO
• Translate institutional goals into actionable operational plans
• Ensure operational priorities support long-term growth and sustainability
• Represent key areas of responsibility to the Board of Directors and attend Board meetings.
• Participate in Board committee meetings such as Finance and Executive Committees

Facilities & Capital Projects

• Oversee buildings, grounds, maintenance, and mechanical systems
• Lead major capital initiatives and construction projects
• Act as primary liaison with architects, engineers, and contractors
• Manage budgets, timelines, and grant compliance for projects

Security & Safety

• Oversee Museum security operations and incident response
• Maintain emergency preparedness and health/safety protocols
• Coordinate with law enforcement and emergency agencies

Technology & Infrastructure

• Oversee IT systems and vendor-managed services
• Support operational systems including finance, ticketing, and development platforms

Finance & HR Oversight

• Manage outsourced finance, payroll, and HR vendors
• Ensure operational accountability and fiscal stewardship
• Oversee the annual budgeting process for the organization, supporting all department leaders in their submissions and management

Team Leadership

• Lead and support cross-functional operational teams
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and respect

Qualifications

We are seeking a leader with the ability to balance vision with execution.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of senior operations leadership experience
• Experience in museums, cultural institutions, or nonprofit organizations strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success managing capital projects in excess of $8M and complex operations across a multi-department, multi-site campus
• Experience with Museum or other institution accreditation processes
• Knowledge of facilities management and building systems
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Comfort working evenings/weekends when operational needs arise
• Excellent communication and stakeholder relationship skills
• Commitment to the Museum’s mission and respect for Holocaust history

Physical & Operational Requirements

• Ability to respond to urgent building or safety situations
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds
• Extended computer and desk work required

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to help lead a nationally recognized institution dedicated to remembrance, education, and human rights. The COO plays a critical role in ensuring that the Museum’s operations are strong enough to support its mission for generations to come.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Florida Holocaust Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.