Are you passionate about animals, enjoy working in a dynamic setting with motivated professionals, and have a passion –and experience- in organizing extraordinary events?
We have an immediate opening!
The Santa Barbara Zoo seeks an Events Manager who is organized, enthusiastic, encouraging, with a collaborative approach to oversee all aspects of Special and Private Events. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, overseeing, and measuring the success and experience of various zoo events. You will also manage the Events team, collaborate with event partners, and work closely with Zoo professionals to design and develop unique events that align with the zoo’s mission.
This is a regular, full time, non exempt positionCompensation: $24.50-25.60/hour, DOE
Schedule: Typically Tuesday - Saturday, as well as some evenings, holidays and when special events are scheduled.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary: Under the general direction of the Director of Business Operations, the Events Manager oversees and organizes all private and special event operations. The Events Manager ensures that events are successful, engaging, implemented with high quality, cost-effective and revenue-generating, while promoting the Zoo's mission and conservation efforts.
Essential Duties include the following:
Cross-Departmental Functions
Communicates clearly and meets with all division managers and directors to efficiently implement and coordinate reoccurring and new events.
Manages and coordinates event space availability, event equipment, and resource levels.
Works with Directors of Facilities and Horticulture to assist in coordinating lawn and set up needs for events.
Collaborates with Zoo Catering Services in facilitating zoo events.
Addresses events staffing and volunteer needs in conjunction with the Director of Business Operations and the Director of Human Resources. Responsible for selection and interview process to staff Events according to business needs
Works with the Director of Safety and Security to provide appropriate support and security needs depending on the event.
Recommends, develops, and implements effective marketing plans for generating event revenues, in collaboration with Director of Marketing and Director of Business Operations
Operation and Business
Plan events from start to finish, according to requirements, target audience and objectives. Proficient in start-to-end event management.
Maintains a working knowledge of the complex needs of a wide variety of events
Reviews and analyses product mix to provide an event ROI assessment.
Provide recommendations and ROI analysis for new event proposals.
Keeps and maintains all records organized and easily accessible at all times.
Manages contracts, payments, waivers, licensing, agreements, and records of conversations.
Manages event space calendars and allocate resources as needed.
Analyzes Event success, creates reliable financial reports and collects payments on time
Improves Events offerings for enhanced marketability.
Enforces all safety guidelines during event operation.
Consistently researches new event opportunities.
Establishes and maintains relationships with vendors- Sources and negotiates with vendors and suppliers as needed. Nurtures zoos network and partnership relationships.
Works with Advancement department to create sponsorship opportunities.
Implements and manages virtual events.
Is resourceful and can manage and stay within budget.
Manages evens and addresses potential problems as they may arise. Plans for potential scenarios that could impact the integrity of the event. Ensures event is completed smoothly and steps up to resolve any problems that might occur
Staff Management & Development
Recruits team members that complement the zoo culture and enhance the guest experience at all levels.
Develops training materials and procedures specific to Events management and evaluation.
Ensures that all disciplinary actions are recorded and documented in collaboration with Director of Human Resources.
Holds routine meetings with team members to review aspects needs of the Events’ operations.
Regularly evaluates staffing and efficiencies. Coaches and counsels employees to reflect our service standards and procedures.
Assists with and meets deadlines with the development of the annual budget.
Empowers team members with Event-specific decisions with clear thresholds.
Engages all team members in a professional and calm manner.
Provides routine, scheduled, and annual performance evaluation.
Provides professional development opportunities.
Guest Relations
Is courteous and greets all guest professionally.
Answers all event inquiries writhing in 24 hours.
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures. Maintains composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in challenging situations
Organization
Adheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
Attends one-on-one meetings with Director of Business Operations
Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings.
Attends all strategic planning meetings.
Positively represents the Zoo in all aspects.
Secondary duties include the following:
Assists Director of Business Operations with Zoo's general park operations.
Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
Associates with guests to share information, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal one, providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction.
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code.
Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, Core Values, and the Employee Pledge.
Other duties as assigned.
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below represent the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
Bachelors Degree in related field preferred. Marketing background is a plus.
Minimum 4+ years of paid experience in Event planning and implementation
Proficient in use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and use of various electronic platforms.
Experience negotiating contracts, invoices and managing budgets.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Ability to successfully manage and lead a team in the context of Events: delegating to a team properly and making sure everyone has what they need to do their job
Must have a degree of skill in logistics and project management, to properly plan the details and anticipate potential problems that may arise- from the seating to the entertainment.
Ability to accurately plan, and coordinate all operations involved in Events successfully.
Ability to juggle multiple tasks at once effectively.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and administrative skills
Effective oral and written communication skills. Communicate well with the entire staff during Events.
Ability to talk to others to convey information effectively, to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not an interruption at inappropriate times.
Ability to think quickly, be adaptable and flexible, and apply good judgement and problem resolution under pressure. Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and solving the problem in a way that makes sense.
Ability to ascertain staff training needs and provide such training
Ability to follow oral and written direction.
Ability to manage one's own time and the time of others in an efficient and effective manner.
Ability to adjust actions in relation to others' actions.
Ability to develop friendly and productive relationships at work and maintain them over time.
Team oriented and skilled at collaborating. Ability to energize, motivate and support staff with open communication, trust, respect and a collaborative approach at all times.
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Ability to be open to change (positive or negative) and being flexible.
Ability to actively look for ways to help people, and be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do (social perceptiveness)
Ability to handle stress professionally, and maintain composure. Ability to accept criticism graciously, and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations, keeping emotions in check, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Ability to exercise safe work habits.
Ability to improve the bottom line.
Excellent conflict management and resolution ability.
Time Commitment
Position will require Saturday and Sunday shifts, as well as some evenings and holidays, in order to supervise certain Special Events, Weddings and Corporate Events.
Flexibility is needed: the schedule will change based on business/seasonal needs.
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
Valid Driver's License with a good driving record is desirable. Insurance coverage must meet the Zoo's criteria to be allowed to drive for the Zoo.
Reliable transportation to and from work.
Successful completion of a Department of Justice LiveScan background check.
First Aid/CPR certified pre-trained or onsite training.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility.
Must be able to participate in all operational practices: includes ability to climb stairs, manipulate tools, stand/walk for up to three continuous hours at a time and throughout shift during events.
Involves walking out-of-doors in all weather conditions
Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull or otherwise move
Ability to bend, squat, lift, push/pull up to 40 lbs.
Supportive and open employment culture.
Requires flexible schedule, including most weekends and some holidays and evenings.
Requires the ability to work effectively in a shared open-office environment with frequent interruptions.
Tools Used:
Personal computer and software (Microsoft Word, Access, Outlook, Excel, TimeForce, etc.)
Two-way radio
Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, calculator
Point of Sales System
Hand tools
Electric cart
Events related tools and items
Zoo Vehicles
Audio and Visual Equipment
Various event equipment
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.-- The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.The Santa Barbara Zoo is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.