The Houston Zoo is seeking a qualified Events Specialist to join our fast-paced Special Events team. This position is responsible for planning and production of Special Events. This includes internal events and events hosted by outside organizations and/or individuals with an overall focus on maximizing the client experience while advancing the Zoo mission. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, to include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
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.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Makes decisions with the best interest of the Houston Zoo: our mission, our guests and our animal collection
- Plans, orders, accepts, oversees breakdown and coordinates 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
- Contributes to the selling of private events, responding to inquiries via email and telephone
- Performs site visits for new and existing clients
- Prepares proposals and update event contracts as needed
- Maximizes revenues for the Houston Zoo through upselling techniques
- 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 the Houston Zoo’s event program remains relevant and adaptable
- Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
Education and Experience
- BA/BS degree in related field
- Minimum of two (2) years relevant work 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
- Strong knowledge of event planning and procedures
- Strong knowledge with Microsoft Word, Office, and Excel
About the Houston Zoo
- The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
- There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
- Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
- We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
- Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.
- Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
