Chief Executive Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officer
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL)
Crested Butte, Colorado

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports to the Executive Director and serves as a senior leader responsible for overseeing RMBL’s operations. The COO ensures that operational systems, infrastructure, and staffing support the organization’s mission and strategic direction.

The COO works closely with the Executive Director and CFO to translate strategy into execution, strengthen organizational systems, and ensure effective coordination across science, development, and operations. The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader who is willing to step in when needed.

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Executive Director and senior leadership to implement RMBL’s strategic plan
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans and execution frameworks
• Support development of organizational capacity aligned with long term vision
• Strengthen cross functional coordination and communication across departments
• Serve as a visible leader and culture carrier across staff and community
• Support organizational and community wide leadership expectations

Operations Oversight
The COO oversees the following areas:

• Administration and operations
• Facilities and capital planning across Gothic and RMBL 365
• Finance coordination in partnership with CFO
• Food service and visitor center operations
• Human resources systems and Title IX
• Information technology systems and infrastructure

Key responsibilities include:

• Leadership and oversight of the following departments: Administration, Finance, Facilities including dining hall and visitor center, and serve as liaison with the HR consultant
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations in a remote and high use environment with 60,000 square feet of facilities
• Support seasonal scale-up of staffing and services during peak summer months
• Develop and refine cross departmental systems including the RMBL Community Portal
• Monitor scientist usage patterns including housing, lab space, and facilities to inform planning
• Support IT infrastructure including campus network and external vendors
• Advance facilities upgrades and capital planning initiatives
• Oversee land assets and conservation easements in Gunnison County

Community & Residential Experience

• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative residential community
• Support systems that strengthen belonging and community experience
• Ensure alignment with HR policies and employment regulations
• Partner with leadership to uphold expectations and community standards Budget & Finance
• Partner with Executive Director and CFO to refine and implement RMBL’s financial model, assess RMBL365, and refine usage and expense projections for 1-3-5-year models.
• Ensure operational alignment with approved budgets
• Supervise finance processes including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and HR systems
• Support compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements Participate in grant management and proposal processes
• Align operational planning with financial sustainability

External Relations & Partnerships

• Foster relationships with external partners, agencies, and stakeholders
• Support development of new programs, initiatives, and funding opportunities
• Contribute to organizational visibility and partnerships aligned with strategy

Success in First 12 to 24 Months

• Strengthening operational systems and cross department coordination
• Advance scalable and sustainable model for RMBL and RMBL 365 Improve operational efficiency and financial alignment
• Deliver a high quality and well-run summer field season
• Build trust and strong relationships across staff and community Develop deep understanding of both strategic and day-to-day operations

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in complex organizations
• Proven ability to lead multi-functional teams and operations
• Strong systems thinking and process improvement experience
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and finance
• Demonstrated success managing and mentoring staff
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset
• Experience with operational systems and management platforms
• Commitment to inclusive and community-oriented leadership Interest in science, education, or environmental work

Location and Lifestyle

This position is based in Crested Butte, Colorado. RMBL operates in both Gothic and the town of Crested Butte, requiring flexibility and presence across both locations.

Salary

Compensation for this position is $125,000 to $150,000 annually. Final compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

Benefits include paid time off, holidays, the opportunity to fund retirement and flexible spending accounts, and, in 2026, a $6,000 taxable salary supplement.

To Apply

• Please submit a resume and cover letter to jblacklock@rmbl.org.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with the first review beginning April 22.

RMBL will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process. To request an accommodation, please contact Jeni Blacklock at the email address above.

RMBL is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

RMBL provides equal opportunities in science and education and is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in relation to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status or disability in admissions, access to, treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates.

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person