Director of Events and Entertainment [Full-Time]

San Antonio Zoo•San Antonio, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Entertainment and Events is responsible for the creative vision, strategic development, and operational execution of immersive guest experiences and signature events at San Antonio Zoo. This role leads the creation of unforgettable, story-driven experiences that deepen guest engagement, inspire conservation action, and elevate the Zoo as a premier destination for entertainment and education. This position oversees the planning and execution of large-scale seasonal attractions, interactive activations, live entertainment, themed environments, and experiential programming that blend conservation, storytelling, hospitality, and innovation. The Director of Consumer Events leads a multidisciplinary team at any given time of performers, educators, creatives, vendors, and operational partners to deliver exceptional experiences with extraordinary attention to detail. The ideal candidate is equal parts creative producer, operational leader, experiential designer, and team builder—someone passionate about transforming spaces into immersive worlds that create emotional connections and lasting memories for guests of all ages. As a Director of Events and Entertainment, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by: IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT Conceptualize, design, and execute innovative consumer events and immersive experiences that align with the Zoo’s mission, brand, and strategic goals. Develop compelling event narratives, themed environments, interactive moments, entertainment programming, and guest engagement opportunities. Lead the creative direction for seasonal festivals, nighttime experiences, holiday events, educational activations, and specialty programs. Ensure every guest touchpoint reflects a high standard of creativity, quality, storytelling, and operational excellence. Continuously identify emerging trends in experiential entertainment, themed attractions, live events, and hospitality to evolve the Zoo’s event offerings. Collaborate with marketing, animal care, education, culinary, operations, and facilities teams to create cohesive and memorable guest experiences. Champion a culture of attention to detail in all aspects of event execution. EVENT OPERATIONS & PRODUCTION Oversee the planning, production, logistics, and execution of all consumer-facing events and entertainment programs. Develop and maintain production timelines, operational plans, staffing schedules, and event run-of-show documentation. Manage vendor relationships, entertainment contracts, production partners, and third-party service providers. Ensure all events are executed safely, efficiently, on budget, and in compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements. Lead onsite event operations and provide hands-on leadership during event installation, execution, and strike. Establish and maintain event standards, operational procedures, and quality assurance processes. GUEST EXPERIENCE & HOSPITALITY Deliver exceptional guest experiences that inspire repeat visitation, emotional connection, and community engagement. Create experiences that are immersive, inclusive, interactive, and memorable for diverse audiences. Maintain a strong presence during events to ensure high-quality guest interactions and operational excellence. Foster a service-driven culture rooted in hospitality, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Respond proactively to guest feedback and continuously improve the guest journey. LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT Recruit, develop, mentor, and inspire a high-performing events and entertainment team. Provide leadership to performers, educators, interpreters, stage managers, technicians, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers. Encourage collaboration, creativity, accountability, and professional growth across the team. Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, training, and ongoing development initiatives. Promote a positive, inclusive, and mission-focused work environment. FINANCIAL & STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT Develop and manage event budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting. Identify opportunities to increase attendance, revenue generation, sponsorship integration, and guest satisfaction. Support long-range planning for new experiences, capital improvements, and future event growth. Analyze attendance, guest feedback, operational outcomes, and financial performance to inform future programming decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Entertainment Production, Hospitality, Theatre, Communications, Marketing, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in live entertainment, immersive events, theme parks, attractions, festivals, hospitality, or experiential marketing.
Strong understanding of experiential design, event production, entertainment operations, storytelling, and guest engagement strategies.
Proven ability to lead complex, large-scale events from concept through execution.
Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Demonstrated experience managing budgets, timelines, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Creative thinker with a passion for innovation, immersive environments, and memorable guest experiences.
Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
Valid Texas driver's license or obtain within three months of employment.
Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.

Responsibilities

Conceptualize, design, and execute innovative consumer events and immersive experiences that align with the Zoo’s mission, brand, and strategic goals.
Develop compelling event narratives, themed environments, interactive moments, entertainment programming, and guest engagement opportunities.
Lead the creative direction for seasonal festivals, nighttime experiences, holiday events, educational activations, and specialty programs.
Ensure every guest touchpoint reflects a high standard of creativity, quality, storytelling, and operational excellence.
Continuously identify emerging trends in experiential entertainment, themed attractions, live events, and hospitality to evolve the Zoo’s event offerings.
Collaborate with marketing, animal care, education, culinary, operations, and facilities teams to create cohesive and memorable guest experiences.
Champion a culture of attention to detail in all aspects of event execution.
Oversee the planning, production, logistics, and execution of all consumer-facing events and entertainment programs.
Develop and maintain production timelines, operational plans, staffing schedules, and event run-of-show documentation.
Manage vendor relationships, entertainment contracts, production partners, and third-party service providers.
Ensure all events are executed safely, efficiently, on budget, and in compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
Lead onsite event operations and provide hands-on leadership during event installation, execution, and strike.
Establish and maintain event standards, operational procedures, and quality assurance processes.
Deliver exceptional guest experiences that inspire repeat visitation, emotional connection, and community engagement.
Create experiences that are immersive, inclusive, interactive, and memorable for diverse audiences.
Maintain a strong presence during events to ensure high-quality guest interactions and operational excellence.
Foster a service-driven culture rooted in hospitality, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
Respond proactively to guest feedback and continuously improve the guest journey.
Recruit, develop, mentor, and inspire a high-performing events and entertainment team.
Provide leadership to performers, educators, interpreters, stage managers, technicians, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers.
Encourage collaboration, creativity, accountability, and professional growth across the team.
Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, training, and ongoing development initiatives.
Promote a positive, inclusive, and mission-focused work environment.
Develop and manage event budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Identify opportunities to increase attendance, revenue generation, sponsorship integration, and guest satisfaction.
Support long-range planning for new experiences, capital improvements, and future event growth.
Analyze attendance, guest feedback, operational outcomes, and financial performance to inform future programming decisions.