Special Event Manager

Department: Special Events

Supervisor: Director of Events and Group Sales

Supervises: Event Specialists

FLSA Status: Full Time, Regular, Exempt

Starting Salary: $77,835/year

Application Submission Deadline: 3/26/2024

General Statement:

The Special Event Manager plans, facilitates and directs public Special Events and promotions, and is responsible for the detailed planning and execution of fundraising events.

Essential Duties:

• Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
• Act as lead coordinator for fundraising events as assigned by Director.
• Coordinate, with support from event committees and internal departments, all event details including restaurants, guest lists, logistics, timelines, budgeting, soliciting and contracting vendors and accurate and organized financial records.
• Oversee coordination of event committee(s), recruitment and training of volunteers, and work closely with event chairperson(s).
• Assist Marketing Department with activation of fundraising event sponsors and to identify strategic marketing partnerships that support the Zoo’s public Special Events and promotional efforts as assigned. Also assist with event marketing and media efforts as needed.
• Manage the facilitation and planning of other Zoo public Special Events to support overall goals and revenue objectives of the Zoo.
• Review, initiate and facilitate contracts and correspondence with vendors, organizations and other service providers to secure equipment, entertainment, décor and supplies for public Special Events.
• Coordinate operational initiatives with all internal departments to ensure the smooth presentation and implementation of public event plans as assigned.
• Research and develop new ideas for Special Events.
• Monitor competitive events and promotional activities.
• Track revenue and expenses of all Special Events and maintain event files. Compile data for event recap reports.
• Assist Marketing and Communications to develop and execute promotions with local media and other partners, resulting in increased attendance and exposure to the Zoo.
• Help to maintain relationships with key community and strategic partners.
• Work collaboratively with other business units to meet the Zoo’s overall revenue goals and objectives.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

• Bachelor degree in business, marketing or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ directly related professional experience.
• Experience executing large scale events preferred.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and creativity a plus.
• Possess excellent presentation and leadership skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, holidays and weekends.
• Possession of valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs.