Job Description

  AWARDS PROGRAM SPECIALIST FOR PRESTIGIOUS INDIANAPOLIS PRIZE-THE WORLD’S LEADING AWARD FOR ANIMAL CONSERVATION The Indianapolis Prize is the largest individual monetary award for animal species conservation in the world. Since its inception in 2005, the Indianapolis Prize draws international attention to conservation issues and receives extensive media coverage in the U.S. and abroad. This prestigious award is given every other year to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to animal conservation. 

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an event specialist for the Indianapolis Prize. The Indianapolis Prize Specialist supports the Indianapolis Prize Director with planning and implementing the Indianapolis Prize program and Gala. Duties include overseeing and coordination of the day-to-day operations of the Indianapolis Prize program, including Gala production, sponsor/donor solicitation and management, working closely with internal Zoo staff, volunteers and vendors. The successful candidate will demonstrate an extraordinary aptitude for working with people, a positive attitude, a professional demeanor, strong initiative with a commitment to accuracy and extraordinary attention to detail.  

Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo’s mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. This role is vital to the Indianapolis Prize Program and will coordinate all travel, tuxedo rentals, itineraries and other amenities as needed for, celebrities and VIPs attending the Indianapolis Prize Gala. Ability to build and strengthen relationships with staff, donors and sponsors (current and new) for the event is integral to this position. Familiarity and experience in fundraising methods and techniques, strategic planning, budgeting and/ or volunteer supervision is highly desirable. This is full-time position that requires a flexible schedule to work weekends and evenings as needed. During some special events, scheduled working hours may be extended up to twelve (12) consecutive hours in a 24-hour period. 

Responsibilities, Qualifications and Skills of this position are (but not limited to):

• Three (3) years of successful event production, planning and management desired, television and/ or film production experience helpful.   
• Bachelors’ degree from an accredited institution in related field (Communications; Marketing; Public Relations) required.  
• Works closely with the Indianapolis Prize Director to plan and implement the Indianapolis Prize.
• Works closely with the host hotel to manage the hotel room block and space utilization during the Gala.
• Assists the Indianapolis Prize Director and Executive Vice President in program planning and budgeting.  
• Provides support to produce the Prize Gala, including entertainment, audio visual aspects, and logistics of the event. 
• Assist in providing content and coordination for Prize Communications. 
• Work closely with other Zoo departments to implement events designed to promote and raise awareness of conservation.
• Utilizes Raiser’s Edge fundraising and contact management software to track and record donor and sponsor related activity.
• Must be an advanced user of Microsoft Word and Excel with experience in electronic communication tools, website management and social media. Intermediate user of Power Point, Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft project as well as other management software programs in use at the Indianapolis Zoo.  
• Must have the ability to transport and move items up to twenty (20) pounds frequently and transport and move items up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally.
• Repetitive motion and exposure to office computer systems; must have the ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery such as but limited to, computer printer, scanner, copy machine, and calculator.  
• Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a telephone.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a criminal history, driving record check, and a drug test. THE INDIANAPOLIS ZOO IS REQUIRING ALL ZOO EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS TO BE COVID-19 VACCINATED UNLESS INDIVIDUALS REQUIRE A MEDICAL OR RELIGIOUS BELIEF ACCOMMODATION.  IF HIRED, VACCINATION MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO FIRST WORKING DAY OR ACCOMMODATION REQUEST MUST BE APPROVED PRIOR TO FIRST WORKING DAY. 

Benefits to working at the Indianapolis Zoo: The Indianapolis Zoo offers a competitive benefits package to all eligible (full-time/ 40 hr./ week) employees. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, and a complimentary Zoo membership for employees.

TO APPLY:

• Submit an online application by the APRIL 4, 2022, DEADLINE.  
• To be considered, applicants must include a resume, cover letter and salary requirements.  
• Please note, the Zoo reserves the right to remove this job posting at any time, even prior to the stated application deadline above.

_The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a drug-free/ smoke-free/ equal opportunity employer (EOE)/ child-safe work environment. _