Events Specialist

Houston Zoo•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for the planning and production of Special Events at Houston Zoo. This includes internal events and events hosted by outside organizations and/or individuals. Tasks include private event sales, customizing design of events and coordinating all operational tasks associated with events including security, grounds, maintenance support, animal management, etc. Work closely with all the other zoo departments to ensure that events run smoothly from inception to completion. The overall focus is to drive revenue growth while maximizing the client experience and advancing the zoo mission. Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent oral and written communications skills
Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
Ability to partner across teams and with all levels of staff.

Nice To Haves

Cater ease software
diagramming software

Responsibilities

Makes decisions with the best interests of Houston Zoo: our mission, our guests, and our animal collection.
Plans, orders, accepts and oversees catering/food needs; tables, chairs, and linens; decorations; venue set-up; venue breakdown and other staffing needs for internal and external events.
Ensures that all event facility policies and procedures are being followed by clients and vendors, and recommend changes, as needed.
Secures contracts with vendors for events, making them aware of zoo policies and procedures.
Prepares event notices, work orders and other support requests in a timely manner.
Ensures complete, timely, accurate communication of special event details with appropriate departments, staff, and volunteers.
Ensures that the client’s needs have been met before, during and after an event, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
Contributes to the selling of private events, responding to inquiries via email and telephone.
Performs site visits for new and existing clients.
Prepares proposals, Banquet Event Orders, and updates event contracts as needed using Cater ease software. Creates event diagrams/layouts using diagramming software
Maximizes revenues for Houston Zoo through upselling techniques to meet revenue goals
Maintains an inventory of all event supplies and equipment. Replenish, repair, or replace inventory as needed.
Serves as Internal event staff to all other departments, including but not limited to: Development, Volunteers, Education, Animals and Conservation.
Conducts independent research on things such as industry trends and event venues to ensure Houston Zoo’s event program remains relevant and adaptable.
Independently oversees events assigned and is empowered to make timely, sound decisions across all operating hours, including before or after-hours events, weekends, and holidays.
Collaborates closely with the Business Operations team to align front- and back-of-house systems and processes, ensuring an efficient, integrated, and guest-focused experience.
Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
Contributes to other operational priorities as needed.