The Special Events Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, planning, coordination, and execution of all public-facing special events at the Memphis Zoo. These include major signature events such as Zoo Rendezvous, Zoo Boo, Lantern Festival, Roar & Pour, seasonal programs, member events, and community engagement events.
This role provides departmental leadership, oversees event standards, manages timelines and budgets, and ensures each event delivers an exceptional guest experience that aligns with the Zoo’s brand and financial objectives. The Special Events Manager will supervise the Special Events Coordinator to ensure strong execution, consistency, and continuous improvement across all events.
The ideal candidate is an experienced event professional who excels in leadership, communication, creative problem-solving, and cross-departmental collaboration. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is required based on event schedules.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Oversight
· Lead and manage the Special Events Coordinator, providing coaching, prioritization, and support.
· Facilitate event planning meetings and maintain cross-departmental alignment.
· Develop, refine, and implement special event SOPs, ensuring consistent operational excellence.
· Oversee event calendars, timelines, and workflow to ensure smooth execution across all major events.
· Serve as the on-site leader for large-scale or high-profile events.
Event Strategy, Planning & Execution
· Oversee the full planning life cycle for public-facing Zoo events, including concept development, logistics, staffing, run-of-show creation, and operational execution.
· Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Guest Services, Food & Beverage (Levy), Retail (Levy), Education, and other Zoo departments to ensure seamless delivery.
· Ensure event spaces are prepared, safe, and in alignment with Zoo standards.
· Evaluate event performance regularly and implement enhancements to elevate guest experience and efficiency.
Financial Management
· Develop, monitor, and manage event budgets, ensuring responsible spending and targeted revenue outcomes.
· Track event revenue, expenses, and profitability; report insights to the Director of Marketing & Events.
· Identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.
· Approve event-related invoices, contracts, and purchase requests.
Vendor & Sponsor Relations
· Serve as a primary point of contact for external vendors, entertainers, rental companies, and service partners.
· Ensure sponsorship activations are implemented accurately and professionally in partnership with the Marketing & Partnerships team.
· Maintain strong working relationships with long-term event partners.
Guest Experience & Quality Control
· Set and maintain presentation standards for all special events.
· Review guest feedback and lead improvements to enhance satisfaction and accessibility.
· Ensure events reflect the Memphis Zoo’s values, mission, and community focus.
Preferred Education and Experience:
· 3-5 years of experience in private and/or special events.
· Background in nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, sports, entertainment, or attractions.
Competencies:
· Collaboration.
· Detail-Orientation.
· Flexibility/Adaptability.
· Microsoft Office Suite.
· Multi-Tasking.
· Project Management.
· Self-Motivation and Initiative.
· Strategic Planning.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Reporting Structure: Reports to Director of Marketing & Events
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time salary positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager.
This position is considered exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Scheduling Availability Requirements:
This position requires flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on Sponsor activations.
Work Environment: This role operates in office settings, Zoo grounds, on-site events, and occasional off-site partner engagements. The position requires adaptability, collaboration, and a high level of professionalism in all interactions.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent ability to stand or walk for extended periods during events. Occasional bending/kneeling, and occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to 50 pounds. Position also requires ability to navigate through Zoo grounds, with or without the use of an electric golf cart. Exposure to varied weather conditions will occur during events.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties:
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned, or existing duties may be modified, at any time to meet the needs of the organization.
Other Requirements:
· 21 years or older.
· Clear background check.
· Clear drug screening.
· Valid driver’s license.
· Clear MVR screening.
· Proof of current automobile insurance.
Benefits & Perks
The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
