Director of Events - Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is seeking a seasoned passionate individual to fulfill the role of Director of Events. In this opportunity you will drive the strategic direction of public and private events, oversee department budget and participate in end to end planning for events hosted at the zoo. Director of Events oversees all aspects of the events department which includes sales, logistics, marketing, project management and day-to-day operations. In this role you will assess and enhance operations, cultivate interdepartmental relationships, and execute memorable events .

• With a sharp focus on driving revenue, profit and loss analysis, project management, and timeline adherence, you will ensure excellence in every detail while coaching and evaluating our event team.
• From contract oversight to customer service, your leadership will ensure seamless execution and unforgettable experiences. If you are a proactive leader with exceptional communication skills and a knack for thriving under pressure, join us as our Director of Events.

As the Director of Events you will:

• Lead, oversee and provide direction on all matters pertaining to the zoo’s events portfolio including:
• Strategic internal events geared towards fundraising, improving culture and advancing the Oregon Zoo brand with a keen focus on racial equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness.
• Ticketed events including music and brew events.
• Attendance driving events that enhance guest experience. 
• Private events geared towards corporate clients that focus on maximizing event space, space rental and food and beverage sales.
• Walks and run events sales.
• ZooLights design and programming.
• Other public events throughout the year.
• Evaluate and enhance current sales operations, devising strategies to streamline sales performance and build revenue streams. 
• Cultivate and develop relationships across all departments including the zoo’s exclusive Food and Beverage provider to ensure that team is supporting the larger mission and vision by creating an outstanding guest experience.
• Ensure effective and clear communication to zoo departments that support events including, but not limited to, Animal Care, Public Safety, Maintenance, Marketing and Communication, Horticulture, Guest Services, Volunteers and Educations with the goal of maintaining essential zoo operations and consistent operational excellence and guest satisfaction. 
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative strategies for special events, with a focus on increasing attendance, enhancing member engagement, fundraising, and service delivery with various sectors including private, service, and community while prioritizing diversity and inclusion of communities of color.
• Ensure budget goals are met or exceeded. Monitor sales forecasts and evaluate expenses to maintain profitability and performance within budget constraints and timelines.
• Supervise project timelines and financial processes, ensuring deadlines are met on time and on budget while also incorporating principles of equity into all aspects of event planning and execution.
• Develop and conduct regular assessment methods to review events to assure that continuous excellent service,  quality, and a high level of professionalism is maintained by food partner, zoo team members and external contractors providing services. Ensure positive guest interactions and compliance with established customer service standards with a racial equity lens.
• Provide leadership, coaching and evaluations for the event management team. Develop, direct, and maintain programs that attract diverse groups to the zoo and give back to the community we serve. 
• Navigate contract management and oversight of purchasing activities; prepares scope of work and executes contracts for events, supply purchases and professional services; approves supply and equipment purchases utilizing COBID and supplier diversity vendor selection where available.

Attributes for success in this role:

• Proficient in managing multiple projects concurrently
• Extensive knowledge in event oversight in both sales and operations
• Knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices, including planning and organizing work activities, recruitment and equitable hiring practices, training and coaching staff.
• Ability to coach, mentor, motivate and engage staff. Possess a professional and positive attitude in a stressful environment.
• Possesses strong facilitation, collaboration, and negotiation skills.
• Experience in a venue that produces a variety of large-scale events. 
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, effectively conveying ideas and information with clarity and professionalism.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly in a constantly changing environment.
• Exhibits strong leadership skills and the ability to meet deadlines amidst competing priorities and unpredictable work conditions.
• Knowledge and ability to lead with a racial equity lens and ability to implement and integrate into work practices.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

• At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work.
• This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities.
• Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region.
• Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Experience Required

TO QUALIFY:

• We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required.
• Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3 years leading, managing or supervising managers and staff and; Bachelor’s degree in the assigned program areas or related field and; Two years of project management experience in area of responsibilities or; Any combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job Required Valid driver’s license (includes a driver’s license check at time of hire if selected) Work environment and schedule:
• Given the role's onsite leadership responsibilities, the ideal candidate should be adaptable to a flexible schedule, encompassing weekends, holidays, and occasional early mornings or evenings, as dictated by business operations.
• Extended hours and workweeks exceeding 40 hours may be necessary due to operational needs.

Salary

• $112,000.00 - $142,944.00 Annually