Director of Event Operations

Audubon Institute•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

Reporting to the VP of Event Operations, the Director of Event Operations is responsible for management, planning and execution of all internal Audubon Events and execution and coordination of external events and festivals in Woldenberg Riverfront Park. The Director of Event Operations will work in tandem with all Audubon departmental leadership to plan and produce internal events including but not limited to Zoo To Do, Zoobilation, Flutters and Fins, Celebración Latina, Scales and Ales, and Boo at the Zoo. They will also act as a liaison between external clients and Audubon to produce large scale festivals and events in Woldenberg Riverfront Park such as French Quarter Fest and Lundi Gras, always acting in the best interest of Audubon and our mission.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
College degree and/or 5 years plus of Projects/Events Management experience
Ability to critically think at any moment and handle stressful situations well
Strong leadership and communication skills
Valid driver's license
Ability to perform or work in the conditions of all physical requirements listed below

Nice To Haves

Affinity for animals preferred
Safety and Risk Management experience
Recruitment and hiring experience

Responsibilities

Aggressively seek and maintain working relationships with promotional contacts, festival executives, event representatives, industry influencers, and key community partners for maximum park usage and exposure.
Actively listen to internal and external clients’ needs, always maintaining the importance of their event, no matter how large or small.
Ensure that events are compliant with all rules and regulations per Audubon, City of New Orleans, US Coast Guard and Port of NO regulations
Oversee events from conception to conclusion. This includes creating event profiles, estimates and contracts, conducting site visits, ensuring permits, insurance, and needed documents are submitted, creating timelines and expense sheets, hiring vendors, communicating needs and info to Audubon staff, executing the event, conducting post event summaries, and ensuring all vendors and Audubon are paid in a timely manner.
Collaborate with team to create new festivals and events to enhance revenue opportunities.
Oversee direct reports (Event Managers) and ensure they are successful in their positions by conducting regular check-ins to discuss goals and performance and follow payroll procedures.
Keep track of and report monthly on all expenses incurred with P-card.
Communicate with potential customers who reach out via email and phone regarding events.
Maintain a working relationship with Audubon staff that assist with festivals/events, ie: Electrical, Facilities Services, Carpentry, Guest Services, Security, etc.
Maintain a working relations ship with Department Heads that rely on the Events Team to successfully implement their event, ie: Membership, Development, L&E, etc.
Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.