General Manager – Aquarium of Guam
Lead the Reopening of Guam’s Premier Tourism & Leisure Attraction
The Aquarium of Guam is undergoing a major multi-million-dollar transformation and is set to reopen in fall 2026 as one of the island’s most significant tourism and community assets. Located in the heart of Tumon, Guam’s main tourism district, the revitalized Aquarium will be a flagship destination celebrating the island’s unique and interconnected aquatic ecosystems, from freshwater streams and mangroves through to seagrass meadows and coral reefs.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-profile attraction at a pivotal moment shaping its reopening, establishing operational excellence, and driving long-term commercial success.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership position with full accountability for the successful operation of the Aquarium. You will lead from the front, ensuring the facility delivers an exceptional visitor experience while achieving strong commercial and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
•Leading all day-to-day operations of the Aquarium
•Driving visitor growth, engagement, and overall guest experience
•Managing financial performance, budgets, and revenue targets
•Building, leading, and developing a high-performing team
•Ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, safety, and compliance
•Managing key stakeholder relationships, including ownership, tourism bodies, and partners
•Overseeing the transition from construction and commissioning into full operations
Other Duties & Responsibilities
Operational & Strategic Leadership
•Provide visible, effective leadership across all aspects of the Aquarium’s operation
•Ensure safe, ethical, and efficient operations at all times
•Contribute operational insight and recommendations aligned with ownership and AAT objectives
Financial & Commercial Performance
•Full accountability for revenue performance and operating results
•Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost control, pricing, and revenue optimisation
•Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting and performance monitoring
People Leadership
•Lead, develop, and hold accountable the Aquarium’s management and operational team
•Build capability, clarity of roles, and a strong performance culture
•Maintain appropriate accountability between management, specialist, and operational functions
Animal Welfare & Compliance
•Provide governance oversight of animal welfare, biosecurity, and life-support systems
•Work closely with the Curator to ensure compliance with all permits, licences, and professional standards
Safety, Risk & Emergency Management
•Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, safety, and reporting obligations
•Act as the on-site lead for incidents and emergencies, including outside normal business hours
Facilities & Asset Management
•Oversee facilities, maintenance, and asset management
•Manage non-routine and emergency works within delegated authority
•Support capital planning, refurbishment, and asset replacement initiatives
Stakeholder, Community & Tourism Engagement
•Act as the primary on-site liaison with regulators, contractors, suppliers, and partners
•Represent the Aquarium professionally within Guam’s tourism ecosystem
•Build constructive relationships that support the Aquarium’s role in Guam’s visitor economy
Guest Experience & Marketing
•Ensure high standards of guest experience across all operational areas
•Support marketing and promotional activity in collaboration with AAT’s group marketing team
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
About you
You are a seasoned operational leader who is comfortable being accountable, visible, and decisive in a complex, public-facing environment.
You bring:
•Proven senior management experience in a public aquarium, zoo, tourism attraction, museum, or comparable operation
•Strong commercial and financial acumen, with direct accountability for revenue and operating performance
•The ability to balance day-to-day operational leadership with strategic thinking
•Strong people leadership and performance management capability
•Sound understanding of compliance, WHS, risk management, and emergency response
•High professional standards, integrity, and personal accountability
•Confidence engaging with regulators, owners, and senior stakeholders
Education & Experience
Qualifications & eligibility
Required
•Minimum 5 years’ senior management experience in a comparable environment
•Legal right to work in the United States or ability to obtain authorization to work in Guam
Desirable
•Tertiary qualification in business, management, marine science, zoology, or a related field
•Experience in animal-care regulatory environments
•Financial management, WHS, or emergency management training
Job Requirements
Working Conditions
Working arrangements
•Full-time, on-site leadership role based at the Aquarium of Guam
•Flexibility required for weekends, public holidays, evenings, and emergency response
•Regular collaboration with AAT teams across multiple time zones
•Occasional travel for meetings, training, or project-related activities
Location & Package
This is a full-time, on-site role based in Guam (U.S. Territory). A competitive package will be offered, including:
•Full relocation support
•Housing allowance or accommodation
•Competitive salary aligned with experience
•Health insurance