Events Program Manager

SALARY & FLSA: $77,969 – 94.569.45 per year; FLSA exempt

The $77,969 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to $80,000 of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.

OPENING DATE: 03/18/2025

CLOSING DATE: 04/08/2025

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time

UNION: Non-Represented

OPENINGS: 1

LOCATION: Onsite

DEPARTMENT: Events

 

This position is a 40-hour work week position, Monday through Friday with flexibility to work weekends and evenings for events.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE
As our new Events Program Manager, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• You’re a master of event logistics and leadership: From coordinating large-scale events like WildLanterns to intimate donor gatherings, you manage every detail with precision while leading and mentoring a high-performing team.
• You thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments: Whether juggling multiple projects, adapting to last-minute changes, or ensuring smooth event execution, you stay calm, organized, and solutions-focused.
• You’re a collaborative relationship builder: You foster strong connections across departments, vendors, and stakeholders, ensuring seamless event coordination and an exceptional guest experience.
• You bring creativity and strategy together: With an eye for innovation and a data-driven mindset, you design engaging, mission-aligned experiences that captivate audiences and enhance the zoo’s impact.

 

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the internal Events department team and oversee every aspect of event operations, including planning, guest experience, event objectives, communication, and staff assignments.
• Collaborate closely with the Events Installation Manager on all major zoo events.
• Ensure that all events align with the zoo’s brand, community values, and mission.
• Maintain strong working relationships with the External Relations department and Development team leaders to meet objectives for events such as Jungle Party, gate driving events and donor dinners and experiences.
• Contribute to operational and budget planning by providing relevant information and recommendations.
• Establish guidelines for staff billing, time tracking, and resource allocation.
• Manage, develop, coach, and train Event Department staff to enhance their ability to independently develop and produce a wide range of events.
• Enhance the department’s reputation by proactively accepting new responsibilities and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors; negotiate pricing and service agreements to enhance the experience of the event and improve profitability.
• Identify and resolve issues related to client experience and event production by monitoring trends, recommending improvements, and implementing necessary changes.
• Escalate issues requiring Director approval.
• Coordinate and facilitate event-related meetings (e.g., weekly BEO/Catering, weekly Admissions, bi-weekly Grounds/Maintenance) and staff check-in sessions to review performance and identify improvements.
• Oversee post-event follow-up through effective communication and feedback loops, including performance analysis and metric preparation.
• Act as the primary liaison with departments such as Maintenance, Grounds, Horticulture, Animal Management, Guest Services, Learning & Innovation, Engagement and Volunteers to ensure clear communication and conflict resolution.
• In tandem with the Events Installation Manager, oversee all aspects of the WildLanterns program—from design and timeline planning to build, install/strike, and logistics.
• Coordinate budget adjustments, expense tracking, and resource allocation, ensuring consistency in messaging and adherence to schedules.
• Manage logistical coordination for auxiliary partners (vendors, transportation, entertainment), including scheduling and load-in/load-out operations.
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