Natural Habitat Adventures · 14 hours ago
Chief Adventure Officer
Louisville, CO
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$170K/yr - $190K/yr
10+ years expNatural Habitat Adventures is seeking a Chief Adventure Officer (CAO) to join their executive leadership team. The CAO will be responsible for translating the company’s strategic vision into best-in-class global adventure operations, ensuring operational excellence and an industry-leading guest experience.
Adventure TravelLeisureTravel
Responsibilities
Refine and lead the strategic direction for global adventure operations in partnership with the CEO and President
Ensure alignment with Nat Hab’s mission, growth objectives, and service standards across all programs and geographies
Drive innovation in trip operations, field team management, logistics, partner relationships, and program delivery to enhance quality, efficiency, and scalability
Establish enterprise-wide operational frameworks, policies, and best practices
Use operational data, performance metrics, and emerging trends to anticipate needs, solve complex challenges, and guide decision-making
Lead Senior Vice Presidents of Operations, the Vice President of Field Team, and other direct reports to ensure cohesive, high-performing global execution
Foster a values-driven culture centered on communication, accountability, learning, and continuous improvement
Direct organizational design, leadership development, succession planning, and staffing structures across all Adventure Operations teams
Serve as the top decision-maker for operational resourcing, capacity planning, and cross-functional coordination
Conduct performance evaluations and guide professional development and talent growth throughout the division
Ensure all trips meet Nat Hab’s standards for safety, quality, environmental stewardship, and guest delight
Oversee the full lifecycle of trip execution, from planning through on-the-ground delivery
Oversee integration of Field Team management into trip delivery to ensure consistent, equitable global practices, including leadership support for decisions on hiring, scheduling, and training
Manage global vendor and partner relationships, including contracting, performance oversight, and compliance with operational requirements
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, technology adoption, cost management, and operational innovation
Collaborate cross-functionally with Trip Operations, Field Team, Sustainability, Sales, Guest Services, Finance, HR, Marketing, and Risk Management Committee to ensure operational readiness and exceptional guest experiences
Oversee operational budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance for the Adventure Operations division
Monitor operating costs, resource utilization, and vendor pricing to ensure financial sustainability and profitability
Partner with Finance to assess program performance, identify risks, and pursue opportunities for efficiency and growth
Serve as the executive owner of operational safety standards, risk mitigation practices, and compliance protocols across all destinations
Lead incident response and partner with the executive team on crisis communication and resolution
Ensure adherence to global regulatory requirements, environmental guidelines, and ethical operating practices
Contribute to company-wide strategic planning, decision-making, and long-term visioning as a key member of the executive team
Unite the Adventure Operations leadership team under a cohesive operational culture with shared frameworks, consistent expectations, and aligned priorities
Champion Nat Hab’s operational excellence and on-trip guest experience standards, ensuring every adventure embodies our commitment to conservation-focused exploration and responsible travel
Qualification
Required
10-15+ years of experience in operations management, logistics, or related disciplines, preferably in travel, adventure tourism, hospitality, or service industries
7+ years of senior leadership experience overseeing multi-layered and geographically distributed teams
Proven expertise in operational strategy, organizational leadership, process development, and large-scale change management
Strong analytical competency with the ability to synthesize data and translate insights into strategic and operational action
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build trust across all levels of the organization
Demonstrated success managing budgets, financial planning, and vendor negotiations
Deep commitment to guest experience, sustainability, safety, and continuous improvement
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k)-retirement plan
Generous paid time off
Paid holidays
Annual opportunities for paid travel on Nat Hab adventures
Complimentary stays at our Colorado mountain house
Access to our near-office house (The Nest)
Significant discounts with partner travel companies
Pro-deal pricing on outdoor gear
On-site fitness facility
Café serving daily breakfast, lunch, and locally roasted coffee
Company
Natural Habitat Adventures
Natural Habitat Adventures has been a leader in responsible adventure travel & ecotourism since 1985.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Ben Bressler
President & Founder
Ted Martens
Chief Marketing Officer
Recent News
2025-06-26
2025-02-03
Company data provided by crunchbase