Zoo Events Manager - Oregon Zoo

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. The Oregon Zoo Events Manager is responsible for creating, planning, growing, and implementing memorable events and experiences for zoo guests at a variety of public and private events.

• Current events include summer festival nights, Halloween events, spring events, assisting with ZooLights, and more. 
• The role will assist in developing new and exciting programs while supervising and coordinating staff. 
• Position will act as a liaison for public, private, and internal events while contributing to the growing portfolio of attendance and revenue producing events.

Note:

• This is an onsite only role and requires working at least one weekend day regularly and additional weekend, early morning, and late-night shifts.

As the Events Manager you will

• Plan, coordinate, implement and execute assigned events, from start to finish, within budget ensuring success.  
• Grow and enhance the walk and run program.
• Manage vendor and entertainer solicitation and agreements, execution of event logistics, procurement of necessary licensing and permits, post-event evaluation, etc.   
• Prepare event-related documents, including events plans, event schedules, staffing requests, diagrams, cost estimates, billing statements and purchase orders.
• Oversee assigned event budgets, including management of expenses and revenue; allocate resources effectively.  
• Recruit, hire, train and supervise full-time, seasonal, and variable hour staff by planning, organizing, and coordinating workloads and assignments, including coaching, and evaluating performance. 
• Act as a liaison to other zoo staff, members of the Oregon Zoo Foundation, and clients in organizing and executing private and self-promoted events .
• Review service delivery and financial outcomes; adjust events and activities to optimize financial returns and/or the guest experience for future.
• Provide strategic support and collaboration for the planning process of short-term and long- term department goals. Will be responsible for carrying out these strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate and manage projects with vendors, contractors, and consultants. Develops RFP's, RFB's, technical specifications, contracts, and budgets for needs, materials, and services.
• Coordinate service and material purchases.
• Oversee the provision and use of these items and services during events.
• Use a variety of software including the zoo’s event management system, floor planning and ticketing system, to develop plans and documents.
• Oversee warehouse operations including vending, uniforms, and staff supervision.

It is the responsibility of all Metro employees to:

• Actively participate on committees and/or attend meetings as assigned.
• Fulfill Metro’s core values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and
• sustainability. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Build and maintain positive relationships and contribute to a positive team atmosphere; engage others in ways that foster respect and trust
• Encourage and appreciate diversity in people and ideas – seek to understand the
• perspectives of others
• Provide excellent customer service – assist the public, public officials and agency partners, and other employees in a professional and courteous manner with the goal of meeting or exceeding expectations
• Practice continuous improvement - research new possibilities, contribute ideas and
• Stay current in field of work
• Demonstrate sustainable practices in applicable field and generally for resource use and protection
• Work assigned schedule (if applicable); exhibit regular and predictable attendance
• Practice safe work habits
• Comply with Metro and Metro’s visitor venues policies, procedures and applicable work rules; applicable law and collective bargaining agreements as appropriate
• Perform assigned duties during an emergency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Attributes for success

• Strong knowledge of staff supervision with experience in a union environment, including planning and organizing work activities, recruitment, training, coaching and motivating staff and volunteers.
• Strong foundational knowledge of event planning and the technical and practical aspects of event design, set-up, breakdown, and coordination.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to be flexible, manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Independently resolve vendor, client, and guest issues and concerns.
• Knowledge of budgeting methods and principles, including cash/revenue management.
• Ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment with discretion and independent judgment.
• Knowledge of effective interpersonal and customer service skills; for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Encourage and appreciate diversity in people and ideas – seek to understand the perspectives of others.
• Ability to think creatively and present events and ideas effectively. 

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.   
• Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

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 in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications

• Some specialized training and knowledge beyond the high school level in event planning, AND
• Three years of experience in event planning and the technical and practical aspects of event design, implementation, management, and budgeting AND
• Two years of supervisory experience, OR
• Any combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.
• Special Requirements:
• Commercial Driver’s License
• State of Oregon DPSST
• First Aid/CPR 

Working Conditions

• Duties can be performed both indoors and outdoors.
• This position will be exposed to inclement weather conditions, working with power equipment and sharp tools, and working around potentially toxic chemicals or other substances.
• If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
• If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

• You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
• Supervisory experience in a union environment

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

• The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
• A Resume 
• A cover letter detailing your event planning and management/supervisory experience.
• The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check 
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

• The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $86,988.86 to step 7: $116,572.71. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $86,988.86 to the equity range step 4: $100,700.05.
• This position is not eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as a Service Supervisor III. (Download PDF reader) 
• Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

• Recruiter:Christina Rentas 
• Email: christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov

Salary

• step 1: $86,988.86 to step 7: $116,572.71