Chief Commercial Officer

Position Title: Chief Commercial Officer

Department: Executive Offices

Reports To: CEO

Office Location: Audubon Zoo

To be considered, candidates must submit a cover letter, comprehensive resume, and five professional references to jobs@auduboninstitute.org. For further information, please refer to the Job Description provided below and ensure that all required materials are submitted to jobs@auduboninstitute.org. Note that online applications are not accepted.

The Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), responsible for driving revenue growth and enhancing the commercial performance of the Audubon Nature Institute (ANI). The CCO will create strategic business partnerships, explore new revenue sources, and expand the organization’s market share. This includes identifying growth opportunities such as geographical expansion, product diversification, and changes in customer demographics.

The CCO oversees all commercial activities, including marketing, sales, commercial partnerships, and business development, aligning them with the organization’s mission and values. They will manage ticketing and pricing strategies and build relationships with customers, partners, and key prospects, acting as a strategic and operational leader. This role requires effective communication of a compelling business vision and the ability to implement strategies to achieve business success.

Additionally, the CCO leads philanthropy efforts to secure funding for Audubon Nature Institute facilities, projects, and programs. Responsibilities include overseeing fundraising, capital campaigns, events, and member services. The CCO collaborates with the Audubon Nature Institute Foundation President and CEO to identify funding priorities and develop robust fundraising strategies. This role involves building lasting relationships with donors and instilling a culture of philanthropy across the organization, reporting to Audubon’s President and CEO.

Day to Day Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute comprehensive commercial strategies to increase revenues across all Audubon Nature Institute entities.
• Increase brand awareness and demand generation. Ensure sales and marketing activities align to realize our strategic vision, improve customer experience, team efficiency and processes.
• Keep abreast of the latest advancements in technology, market trends, and consumer behavior. Create, administer, and implement winning business development strategies that the company should pursue. 
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to inform strategic decisions. Drive innovation in product offerings, services, and customer experiences. 
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to enhance the institute's commercial activities and brand presence.
• Lead Group Sales team efforts, including oversight and goal setting for the Director of Sales. Oversee team that manages all aspects of the ticketing system’s functionality. 
• Lead and manage the marketing, sales, and business development teams to optimize ticket sales, membership growth, sponsorships, and other revenue streams.
• Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to align commercial strategies with organizational goals and mission.
• Oversee the development and implementation of marketing campaigns to elevate public awareness and engagement with Audubon's attractions and programs.
• Establish performance metrics and KPIs to measure success and make data-driven decisions.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial plans related to commercial operations. Use financial projection principles to develop and execute an annual plan to enhance profitability, productivity, and efficiency. This includes supporting the development of the annual budget for all revenue generating lines of business. 
• Oversee business analytics and day-to-day reporting. 
• Develop a commercial partnership program and collaborate with consultants to optimize revenue opportunities.
• Foster a high-performance culture within the commercial team, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Oversees Development operations that meaningfully connect donors to Audubon’s mission, achieve fundraising goals at all levels, and comply with legal and ethical requirements.
• Lead delivery of cultivation and solicitation support to President & CEO, Audubon Nature Institute Foundation President & CEO and key volunteers.
• Be the primary spokesperson for philanthropy with the Audubon Board and Commission; Serve as primary advocate for major donors and their stewardship. 
• Guide the development and implementation of an effective comprehensive fundraising program that sustains Audubon’s long-term success by expanding its donor base and strengthening donors’ relationships.
• Personally cultivate and solicit a robust portfolio of 5-7 figure gifts from new prospects and existing individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Provide outstanding “insider” experiences for donors and prospects.
• Oversee $125 million capital campaign ($100 public funds; $25 million private).
• Oversee Member Services operations that are efficient, welcoming, and accurate.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to create timely communications focused on philanthropy; approve communications materials.
• Oversee pricing and promotional strategies for membership program. 
• Attend and report at Audubon Nature Institute Board and Commission meetings.

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• Work well with aggressive deadlines, works cross-functionally, and prioritizes work in an ever-changing fast-paced environment.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

• Proven track record of success in business development
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and work under pressure 
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong leadership and managerial skills
• Ability to attract, mentor, train, and retain high performing team. 
• Proficiency with computer programs, such as MS Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent research, analytical, and data interpretation skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Bachelors degree in business or related field, Master’s degree preferred
• 8 years of experience in business insight research or business development
• 5 years in a senior level role

Physical Requirements: 

•  Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  May involve sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
• Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less required. 
• Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required.
• Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.
• Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
• Constant ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.