Chief Operating Officer

Crazy Horse, SD
Full Time
Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation
Executive
 

Chief Operating Officer

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

Crazy Horse, South Dakota

 

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation to recruit the organization's first Chief Operating Officer.

Organizational Background

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation (CHMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the cultures, traditions, and living heritage of the North American Indians. The Foundation’s work is rooted in a remarkable vision first articulated by Lakota elder Chief Henry Standing Bear, who believed that the world should know that Native American people have great heroes of their own.

To bring that vision to life, Standing Bear invited sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to carve a memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. In 1948, Ziolkowski began work on what would become the world’s largest Mountain Carving, a monumental tribute to Native American history, culture, and resilience. Today, that vision continues through the work of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.

While the Mountain Carving remains the most visible symbol of the Foundation’s work, visitors who come to see the monument discover a broader story—the history, cultures, and contemporary lives of Native American people. CHMF operates the Indian Museum of North America®, which houses a world-class collection of Native American art and artifacts representing tribes from across the continent. The Foundation also hosts the Native American Educational and Cultural Center®, where visitors engage with Native artists, performers, and cultural programs that celebrate the richness and diversity of Indigenous traditions. In addition, the Foundation operates Crazy Horse Memorial University®, which provides educational opportunities and leadership development for Native American students in partnership with Black Hills State University.

Located in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, approximately 40 miles from Rapid City, the Crazy Horse Memorial® campus welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The Foundation employs approximately 110 year-round staff members and an additional 50+ seasonal employees. Its annual operating budget is $8.9 million and is funded entirely through earned revenue and private philanthropy, as the organization does not accept federal or state government funding. For more information, visit CrazyHorseMemorial.org.

Position Overview

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will be inspired by the opportunity to help steward one of the most unique cultural and humanitarian institutions in the world.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will serve as a pivotal member of the Senior Executive Team responsible for translating the Foundation’s vision into operational excellence across the organization. The COO will oversee day-to-day operations while helping shape the systems, culture, and leadership capacity needed to advance the Foundation’s mission for generations to come.

Crazy Horse Memorial® is not simply a monument—it is an evolving educational, cultural, and philanthropic enterprise with national and international significance. The COO will therefore play a critical role in ensuring that the Foundation’s operational infrastructure supports the continued progress of the Mountain Carving, the growth of its cultural and educational programs, and the long-term sustainability of the institution.

Working closely with the CEO, Senior Executive Team, and Board of Directors, the COO will help align strategy, resources, and operational priorities across departments including Mountain Carving, Museums, University, Development, Visitor Services, Media and Marketing, Accounting, Security, Risk Management, Maintenance, IT, Human Resources, and Central Office as well as the operations of Laughing Water Restaurant and the Gift Shop. The COO will also help strengthen internal systems and processes that allow the organization to scale responsibly while remaining grounded in its humanitarian mission and cultural responsibilities.

Because of the Foundation’s distinctive history and governance structure, success in this role requires more than strong operational expertise. The COO must be a relationship-oriented leader who values trust, collaboration, and humility. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working within a multi-stakeholder environment that includes an engaged Board of Directors, founding family members, tribal partners, donors, community leaders, and staff.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for an experienced executive leader to help guide an organization whose work bridges art, culture, education, and philanthropy. The COO will contribute directly to shaping the future of Crazy Horse Memorial®—ensuring that its mission, values, and extraordinary vision continue to inspire visitors and communities for generations to come.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation across all departments, with approximately a dozen direct departmental reports.
  • Ensure that departmental activities align with the Foundation’s mission, strategic priorities, and financial goals.
  • Translate organizational strategy into clear operational plans and performance metrics.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track organizational progress and operational effectiveness.

Strategic Planning & Organizational Effectiveness

  • Develop and implement multi-year operational plans tied to strategic and financial forecasting.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements that increase efficiency, improve quality, and enhance the visitor experience.
  • Build scalable operational systems to support organizational growth and new initiatives.
  • Partner with the CEO, Senior Executive Team, and Board of Directors to advance the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Financial & Operational Management

  • Work closely with the CFO to oversee operational and capital budgets.
  • Ensure resources are deployed effectively to support strategic priorities.
  • Monitor financial and operational performance and provide data-driven insights to the CEO and Board.

Leadership & Organizational Culture

  • Supervise and mentor department leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and transparency.
  • Build leadership depth across the organization through structured performance management, workforce planning, and succession development.
  • Promote an organizational culture grounded in trust, respect, and servant leadership.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors on operational planning and risk management.
  • Regularly engage with and present to the Board regarding operational performance, capacity planning, and strategic initiatives.
  • Build strong working relationships with donors, tribal partners, and other key stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulatory requirements and organizational policies.

Facilities & Capital Projects

  • Oversee execution of capital projects and long-term facilities planning aligned with strategic priorities.
  • Support operational readiness for ongoing fundraising and campaign initiatives.

Qualifications & Attributes

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of operational expertise, collaborative leadership style, and deep respect for the cultural mission of the organization.

Professional Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or related graduate degree preferred.
  • 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience with significant operational management responsibilities.
  • At least 7–10 years of executive or senior leadership experience overseeing multiple departments or complex organizational functions.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, operational management, and performance measurement.
  • Strong financial literacy and experience managing budgets and organizational resources.
  • Experience working in nonprofit organizations, mission-driven institutions, cultural organizations, or similarly complex environments is highly desirable.

Personal Attributes

  • Commitment to the mission of protecting and preserving Native American culture and heritage.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • High emotional intelligence and demonstrated cultural humility.
  • Ability to work effectively in multi-stakeholder environments involving boards, founding families, donors, and community partners.
  • Collaborative leadership style that emphasizes listening, trust-building, and servant leadership.
  • Ability to hold teams accountable while maintaining a respectful and supportive workplace culture.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset to grow earned revenue and the number of annual visitors.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected salary range for the Chief Operating Officer is approximately $175,000, commensurate with experience.

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

  • Paid holidays and personal leave
  • Health insurance with employer contribution
  • Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Dental and vision plans
  • Additional voluntary insurance options
  • Employee meal and retail discounts on site

This position is based in Crazy Horse, South Dakota, with no remote or hybrid option. Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to the Black Hills region. Occasional travel may be required.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, age, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

Application Process

The search for the Chief Operating Officer is being conducted by The Moran Company on behalf of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter and resume through the secure application portal. Resume should include a complete employment history, including months and years of service.

For the best opportunity of being considered, please apply by April 30, 2026. Questions may be directed to Steven Byers via Steve.Byers (at) MoranCompany.com.

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