Events Manager

Pay Range: $31.73 – $36.05 per hour ($66k - $75k per year)

Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Guest Services, the Events Manager will be responsible for the planning, management, and execution of various events that drive the Oakland Zoo’s strategic goals. They will work closely and collaboratively with other internal departments, outside vendors, contractors etc., while upholding the mission and values of the Zoo, and adhering to policies and procedures set forth by The Zoo.

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Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

• Plans, directs, executes all operational aspects of assigned events. Responsible for all on-property coordination encompassing each department’s specific contribution and execution of departmental event functions.
• Builds event budgets for each specific Zoo event, assessing costs and benefits of all events and makes recommendations for changes or additions as needed.
• Partners with departmental decision makers to operationalize vision for internal Oakland Zoo events.
• Delivers high quality service and relationship management with all internal stakeholders.
• Works directly with and manages Zoo vendors (including on-site 3^rd party caterer, SSA), leading up to and through the event, plus post-event needs.
• Plans for and works with the marketing department to have event signage and print collateral created. Provides creative needs input related to the development, conception, and final product of event signage elements.
• Coordinates vendor payments and physical on-property positioning of vendors.
• Prepares and distributes detailed event plans, updates and other event-related tracking reports for management and/or general Zoo staff.
• Collaborates with SSA (3^rd party vendor) on private event logistics owned by the SSA Catering team.
• This position requires some schedule flexibility due to occasional weekend and evening work onsite for events taking place during those times.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

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The Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to apply.

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• Possess High School Diploma or GED
• At least 3 years of experience in project or event planning/management

• Self-driven / self-starter
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to project lead multi-departmental efforts
• Demonstrated superior customer services skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent working use and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and within a team

• The Oakland Zoo requires vaccination*

Bonus if you have:

• Bachelors degree
• Experience with nonprofit industry

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• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Enjoyment – finds joy in one’s work, approaches tasks with thoughtfulness & intentionality, and fosters collective well-being by embracing the unique skills and qualities of colleagues.
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Project management – effectively prioritizes commitments, driving forward multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously with flexibility, resourcefulness, and agility to adapt to shifting organizational needs
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Self-motivated– effectively navigates multiple, simultaneous tasks with excellent attention to detail and deadlines. Enthusiastically identifies and approaches opportunities without regular supervision
• Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

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