Safety Sensitive: This is a safety-sensitive position. Regardless of whether you are a medical marijuana licensee, you must receive a negative result on a 10-panel, pre-placement drug screening to include THC, prior to beginning work.
The Zoo
- Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. (TZMI) is a nonprofit organization driven by our mission of Connecting, Caring, Advocating for Wildlife, People, and Wild Places.
- From trumpeting elephants to squawking parrots, each member of our team is integral to the success of the Zoo as Green Country’s largest paid daily attraction.
- At Tulsa Zoo, the IDEA is a zoo for all.
- We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Apply today for your opportunity to join our dynamic group of passionate individuals who bring the zoo to life each day, 365 days per year, caring for animals, interacting with guests, educating the public, and managing the Zoo’s grounds, operations, and facilities.
A Few of Your Many Benefits
- Free family-level Tulsa Zoo membership
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits beginning your first day of employment
- 401k
- Unlimited virtual visits with a mental health therapist at no cost to you
- Food, beverage, and retail discounts on zoo grounds
- Generous paid time off plans
- Your Job
- The Special Events Manager is responsible for the development, successful execution, and follow-up of major fundraising events and special events at Tulsa Zoo.
- This role will also assist in developing, implementing and evaluating strategies for success and effectiveness of all philanthropy programs and fundraising initiatives.
- Your Essential Responsibilities
- If you disclose different abilities, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable you to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.
- Other duties may be assigned to you.
- In conjunction with the Philanthropy team, plan and manage all logistical and operational facets of Tulsa Zoo fundraising events and special events including, but not limited to, ZooRun, Conservation on Tap, WALTZ, HallowZOOeen, Dreamnight, event groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings, and Tulsa Zoo Donor Society functions.
- With Vice President of Philanthropy, prepare and maintain detailed event timelines and budgets.
- Collect payments received at and for events.
- Coordinate event invitations and mailings.
- Oversee event logistics, decor, signage, food and beverage, entertainment, and volunteers.
- Coordinate and participate in evening and weekend event setup and take down.
- General event oversight, which includes making adjustments to staffing and logistics as required by attendance, weather, and/or other circumstances to ensure a fluid and successful event.
- Complete event wrap-up reports and post-event summary to prepare for future events.
- Maintain detailed event files with all elements of the events including but not limited to timelines, budgets, vendor contracts, and décor and signage examples.
- Serve as liaison for and between staff members, outside vendors, community volunteers, etc.
- Contribute to regularly scheduled meetings with Philanthropy and Marketing staff to plan event calendar, themes, promotions, etc.
- In conjunction with Marketing, Private Events, Education, and Admissions/Membership departments, coordinate annual calendar of events.
- Regularly evaluate the organization’s special events and make informed recommendations regarding event effectiveness and ability to create positive revenue, visibility, and/or general goodwill for Tulsa Zoo.
- This includes new event recommendations.
- Actively seek cost savings and/or in-kind donations for all events.
- Assist with cultivation of prospective and current donors through a variety of techniques including special events, direct mailings, donor communication, and follow up.
- Collaborate with Philanthropy team to provide event sponsorship deliverables.
- Work with Philanthropy Manager to successfully plan and implement Tulsa Zoo Friends Donor Society events.
- Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all levels of employees in a clear and professional manner.
- Demonstrate and adhere to TZMI’s workplace values.
- Know and follow zoo policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings and assigned training sessions.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- This position has no direct reports.
- What We Expect
- Required Qualifications, Education and/or Experience
- Must be 18 years or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and be insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier
- Bachelor’s degree from a college or university; minimum two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, employees of TZMI, and the general public
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, percentages, algebra, geometry, fractions, ratios, and decimals and apply them to practical situations
- Must be able to work weekends and evenings
- Strong organization skills and attention to detail
- Proficiency in Excel is required.
- Ability to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; Altru, or equivalent donor database; Internet Browser(s)- Explorer, Chrome, Safari, etc.
What You can Expect
- Our Values
- We are enthusiastically committed to be part of the Tulsa Zoo community.
- We will all work together as one Zoo Team to support the Zoo’s mission.
- We will value and appreciate everyone and create a safe, understanding, and welcoming environment for all.
- We will all be accountable for achieving excellence.
- We will earn the trust of one another, acting honestly and treating each other with respect.
- Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Moving about - frequently
- Sitting - frequently
- Standing - frequently
- Reaching with hands and arms – frequently
- Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling - rarely
- Exchange of in-person, phone, radio, or digital communication - frequently
- Carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds – occasionally
- Pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds – occasionally
- Gripping, pinching, writing, and other hand movements - frequently
- Climbing and/or balancing – rarely
- Exposure to outdoor weather conditions - occasionally
- Exposure to high noise levels- occasionally
- Wet or humid environment - occasionally
