The Public Events Manager is responsible for managing the planning and execution of the following special events at Blank Park Zoo: Dreamnight, Eggstravaganza, Night Eyes, Santa at the Zoo, Zoo Brew and more.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Manage and oversee logistics for events, including but not limited to budgets, contracts, schedules, vendors, communication plans, promotion, on-site execution, post-event analysis and follow up engagement.
Assist in the logistics and/or execution of other major events such as Wild Lights Festival and Zoobilation.
Manage event calendars and timelines in order to ensure all logistics are executed in a timely manner.
Develop and maintain a strong working and communication relationship with all staff, volunteers, vendors and other key stakeholders.
Collaborate with the marketing team to create plans and timelines for promotion of each event.
Hire, coordinate schedules and manage event staff.
Assist in developing event budgets based on expense and income goals.
Maintain Blank Park Zoo’s mission-focused planning in all aspects of event conception, planning and execution.
Complete other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintain composure in an environment that can be stressful.
Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
Positive – Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
Communicator – Communicates clearly, both verbal and written. Effective listening skills.
Critical Thinker – Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily.
Efficient – Ability to complete task in a thorough but quick manner.
Customer-oriented – Always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with m many different types of people and situations.
Creativity – Ability to bring creative flair to events from planning through execution.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

Oversees special event operations, which includes planning and execution. Recruits and hires event staff and implements training for new hires. Supervises professional level positions, volunteers and interns.

Requirements

Work Environment

Events, Guests Services

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events and tours. The incumbent may be required travel to other locations and to meetings. This individual may be exposed to computer monitors. The noise level is moderate.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
☐ Never          ☒ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
☐ Never          ☒ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
☐ Never          ☒ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
☐ Never          ☐ Occasionally         ☒ Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
☐ Never          ☒ Occasionally          ☐ Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.
☐ Never          ☐ Occasionally       ☒ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
☐ Never          ☐ Occasionally          ☒ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools.
☐ Never         ☒ Occasionally          ☐ Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
☐ Never         ☒ Occasionally          ☐ Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
☐ Never      ☐ Occasionally          ☒ Constantly

Driving.
☐ Never        ☒ Occasionally           ☐ Constantly

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling –
☐ Never         ☒ Occasionally          ☐ Constantly

Reaching with hands and arms.
☐ Never          ☒ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Tasting or smelling.
☐ Never         ☒ Occasionally         ☐ Constantly

Vision
☒ Close vision; ☒Distant vision; ☒ Color vision; ☒ Peripheral vision; ☒Depth perception; ☒ Ability to adjust focus

Lifting Requirement.
☐ > than 50 pounds ☒ Up to 50 pounds ☐ Up to 40 pounds ☐ Up to 25 pounds ☐ Up to 10 pounds

Required education and experience

Four-year college degree with major coursework in public relations, communications, event management, or related field. Minimum of two years’ experience in customer relations and event management required.
Excellent computer business skills required.

Additional eligibility requirements

Must be insurable to drive a zoo vehicle.
Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo, including nights and weekends
Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.

Licenses/Certifications

Valid Iowa motor vehicle license
First Aid/CPR Training
TIPS Alcohol Training

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Contact Information

To Apply

Complete the Blank Park Zoo online application and attach cover letter and resume at the link below.

Click here to apply for the position.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and give employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.

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