Job Description:

Job Title: Public Events Manager

Department: Public Events

Reports to: Director of Events

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Status: Full-time

Who we are: Located just minutes from downtown, Zoo Atlanta is the oldest and one of the most respected cultural destinations in the Southeast’s largest and most vibrant city. Culture, dining, nightlife, and famously eclectic neighborhoods, not to mention a temperate climate year-round, attract a growing number of newcomers to the one-and-only Atlanta.

As an organization, Zoo Atlanta’s points of pride include being one of only three zoos in the U.S. to house giant pandas; home of one of North America’s largest populations of great apes; and a longtime reputation for excellence in the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Our mission sets us apart, and every day at Zoo Atlanta is an opportunity for discovery, a chance to contribute to conservation, and a way to make a difference in the lives of the people of our community.

What we offer: As a workplace, Zoo Atlanta is very proud of a commitment to diversity and inclusion and a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include but are not limited to outstanding medical coverage and 403b retirement program match; vacation time buy and sell; professional development training; paid time off for community volunteering; and more.

Perks for this full-time position include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match after 12 months of service
• Paid time off includes vacation, sick and personal days plus holidays
• Tuition assistance program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee short term and long-term disability insurance paid for by Zoo Atlanta
• Opportunities for professional development paid for by Zoo Atlanta
• Local discounts and free admission to partnering attractions
• Complimentary family Zoo membership
• Discounted pricing on individual and family education programs, such as Safari Camp, Twilight Trek, NightCrawler, Survival Safari, and much more!
• Join the standby list for free behind-the-scenes encounters with elephants, lemurs, giant pandas, aldabra tortoises!

Who you are: The Public Events Manager oversees the conception, planning and execution of all Zoo Public Events. Responsibilities include budget development and oversight, extensive event detailing, exemplary execution of events and post event evaluation reports and profitability analyses. It requires excellent communication and collaboration with various Zoo departments throughout the organization to ensure seamless event execution, as well as the ongoing development of Public Events team members. Assistance with management of special projects, special exhibits and general Zoo operations as needed.

How to apply: Please apply directly on the Zoo Atlanta Careers website at www.zooatlanta.org/careers

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Expertly plan and execute the Zoo’s diverse portfolio of Public Events, including but not limited to Brew at the Zoo, Boo at the Zoo, Run Like Wild, Savanna Nights summer series, Sippin’ Safari and more.
• Research, conceptualize and maintain a pipeline of new event opportunities, as well as identify ways to refresh and improve existing events.
• Develop, administer and monitor departmental budget and event-specific P&Ls, making adjustments as needed to revenue and expenditures to stay within budget.
• Fully detail events in the Zoo’s Reserve booking software to include preparation of event orders, space diagrams, equipment allocation and staffing plans.
• Hire, train, inspire & develop Public Events team members to ensure meaningful contribution to the department and organization.
• Attend weekly calendar meetings to ensure Zoo operational impacts are identified and communicated accordingly.
• Communicate event plans in a thorough and timely manner with internal Zoo departments which support or are impacted by Public Events.
• Collaborate with catering, concessions and other contract event partners to ensure detailing of events & execution standards are met or exceeded.
• Identify and steward relationships with vendors to enhance and support Zoo Public Events.
• Maintain inventory of event supplies, both on and off site.
• Must be willing to work nights, holidays and weekends.
• Must be supportive of Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission and Values statements and Strategic Plan.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Experience and Skills:

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a management position in event planning, operations or project management at a like-sized facility or attraction.
• Demonstrated experience organizing, planning and executing large-scale projects or events from conception through execution.
• Demonstrates superior communications skills and aptitude in customer service and quality control.
• Proficiency using MS Office required. Knowledge of Reserve or other event detailing software a plus.

Special skills and abilities:

• Must be dependable and perform in an efficient and effective manner.
• Must be able to adapt easily to change and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work alone and in a team-oriented environment.
• Strict attention to detail, accuracy and excellent organizational skills are required.
• Must be highly motivated and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to institutional change and to manage and meet multiple concurrent and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Position requires nights/weekends/holidays.

Education: Must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

• Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: n/a

• Driving Requirements: Must have a valid Georgia driver’s license and good driving record.

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift 50 lbs repetitively, bending, lifting, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Ability to work in adverse weather conditions. (Employee is expected to work outside a portion of the time, and therefore must be comfortable working in cold, hot and variable weather conditions).

MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment