Rentals and Events Manager

Maryland Zoo • Baltimore, MD

10d

About The Position

The Rentals and Events Manager will drive revenue growth through sales, coordination, and execution of weddings, social rentals, and large-scale events at the Zoo. This role actively fosters and manages client relationships to optimize bookings, deliver amazing guest experiences, and position the Zoo as a primary event destination. The major responsibility of the Manager is to oversee all planning from initial inquiry and contract negotiation through on-site event management and post-event follow-up. They also assist in managing a small team to ensure seamless operations, consistent communication, and outstanding service across all events. The Rentals and Events Manager will serve as the on-site lead for clients, vendors, and Zoo staff to ensure that every event meets the Zoo's standards of excellence. Additionally, the Rentals and Events Manager will support the Zoo’s broader mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals. Please Note : This position will be available starting March 2, 2026 .

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum one year of direct experience coordinating weddings, social rentals, and large-scale events; experience with client relations and vendor management preferred.
• Minimum of two years of customer service experience required;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word required;
• Willingness to obtain and maintain TIPS certification required;
• Possess a valid driver’s license;
• Experience managing paid and volunteer staff.
• Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds;
• Strong organizational and communication skills;
• Self-directed, collaborative and detail-oriented.

Nice To Haves

• Friendly and outgoing;
• Possess a positive and patient attitude;
• Possess excellent verbal communication skills;
• Possess excellent organizational skills;
• Able to multitask and juggle multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the sales process for weddings, social rentals, and large-scale events, including responding to inquiries, conducting site tours, preparing contracts, and securing bookings to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and community partners to drive repeat business and positive referrals.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of all rental and Zoo-hosted events, ensuring exceptional guest experiences from contract signing through post-event follow-up.
• Perform event setup and breakdown, assist with onsite oversight and execution on event days, including guest check-in, directional support, volunteer deployment, merchandise sales, beverage pouring, etc.
• Assist in managing and mentoring a small events team, guiding client communication, event execution, and customer service best practices.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote event offerings, increase wedding and rental bookings, and enhance the Zoo’s reputation as a premier event destination.
• Communicate with outside contractors regarding event setup details, mail confirmation packages, confirm and coordinate the arrival of vendors and sponsors for events, monitor setup and ensure their needs are met throughout the event;
• Maintain accurate and organized records, contracts, and client information in the CRM system, ensuring timely invoicing and payment tracking.
• Respond to event-related inquiries, assist guests with scheduling tickets, send out confirmation emails, and reschedule tickets as needed;
• Responsible for digitizing and organizing past and current department files, data entry for vendor information, and CRM data entry and database cleanup;
• Plan, coordinate and attend off-site marketing events and street teams to increase event ticket sales and foster awareness;
• Identify new opportunities for revenue growth, process improvements, and enhanced client satisfaction across all event types.
• Assist in the development of partnerships with community organizations with the goal of both broadening the Zoo’s reach within the community and also making rentals and event offerings diverse, accessible, equitable and inclusive;
• Create and send post-event reports and client follow-ups to assess event success, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for repeat business.
• Support the identification and growth of on-site event assets and rental opportunities to enhance client experiences and generate additional revenue.
• Responsible for maintaining and organizing department supplies, including linens and laundry, utensils and dishes, glassware, giveaways, prizes, etc.;
• Responsible for compiling agenda for weekly department meetings;
• Responsible for review of department web pages every month;
• Assist with Ravens event days and sales on Ravens Walk;
• Provide administrative support to achieve department revenue goals;
• Use sound judgment and report incidents to management or security, as needed;
• Facilitate and support events for other Zoo departments, including education and animal;
• Assist other departments as needed for cross-utilization of skills and manpower;
• Work collaboratively with other departments to create necessary event collateral such as posters, banners, and handbills for internal and external promotion of the Zoo’s events;
• Perform other duties as assigned;
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.
• Responsible for meeting with departments throughout the Zoo and coordinating their efforts in relation to development activities;
• Manage and update event pages on the Zoo’s website;
• Communicate with various Zoo managers on event days to ensure coordination of efforts;
• Responsible for Altru data input, data ownership, and accuracy;
• Required to maintain confidentiality of all collected personal and financial information;
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Department to assign volunteer roles for special events;
• Fiduciary responsibilities include ticket sales, cash handling, selling inventory at festivals and events, verifying department invoices, and approving purchase orders as needed.

Benefits

• We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level