EVENTS MANAGER Basic Purpose and Responsibility Reporting to

Full-time non-exempt hourly position – Events Manager 4/2024

EVENTS MANAGER

Basic Purpose and Responsibility

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Events Manager is responsible for the creative development, originality,

invention, coordination and implementation of Buffalo Zoo events including major fundraisers, cultivation events, fee-

based and value-added special events intended to maximize Zoo revenue and attendance. This position collaborates

closely with the Animal Care, Development, Education, Grounds, Guest Experience, Marketing and Membership

Departments to achieve event revenue goals.

Benefits / Rate of Pay / How to Apply

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position. Some of the benefits available include health plan, HRA/HSA, FSA, life

insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, annual leave, holiday, and sick time

benefits. Benefits available after the successful completion of a probationary period review at 60 days of work (sick time

available upon hire).

Pay range dependent upon skills and experience: $28.00-$30.00 per hour.

Please submit cover letter/resume outlining education/experience using subject line: Events Manager. Send to:

buffalozoojobs@buffalozoo.org

Or Mail resume/cover letter to:

Buffalo Zoo

Events Manager

300 Parkside Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14214

No Phone Calls Please / Position open until filled

For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website at: http://www.buffalozoo.org

Essential Functions

Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be

supplemented or changed as necessary.

· Exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

· Manages and contributes to the creation of an annual events program integrating both fundraising and cultivation

events that are designed to expand outreach to targeted audiences.

· Leads and coordinates all aspects of the Zoo’s annual events program, from pre-planning logistics to post-event

debriefing. Principal events at the Zoo currently include Zoomagination, Canine Champions for Conservation, Easter

Eggsperience, Boo at the Zoo, Breakfast with Santa, and other holiday-themed affairs.

· Serves at the liaison to the Gala Committee, leading the logistical coordination and execution of all aspects of the

annual gala.

· Prepares an annual expense budget by event, with expense justifications; monitors expenses within organizational

guidelines.

Full-time non-exempt hourly position – Events Manager 4/2024

· Collaborates with internal resources including Animal Care, Development, Education, Grounds, Guest Experience,

Marketing, Membership, volunteer management and facilities for event support as needed.

· Communicates event details to appropriate parties and Zoo staff as a whole; evaluates event staffing requirements and

recruits, coordinates, schedules and directs the activities of support staff and volunteers.

· Conducts competitive intelligence, event surveys, and makes use of other mechanisms to keep events fresh and of

interest to the general public.

· Provides leadership and day-to-day management of the full-time Events Coordinator as it relates to both private

events/facilities rentals, and assistance with major events highlighted above. Resolution of performance issues, and

the evaluation of personnel performance. Provides a motivating environment for associate to perform and develop to

their best potential.

· With Development Director/Manager, serves as a liaison to ProZoo Board and any committees responsible for

specific events.

· Assists in the proposal, writing and production of materials and hand-outs required for each event (including but not

limited to 3-ups, postcard maps, and signage).

· Assesses effectiveness of events, convenes post-event debriefing meetings, and prepares reports summarizing and

delineating the results, financial and otherwise.

· Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable

and positive experience. Ability to respond to common inquires, requests, or complaints from guests and/or staff in a

kind and courteous manner.

· Ability to effectively promote the organization.

· Possess a can-do attitude, be resourceful, and communicate respectfully with everyone.

· Interact with courtesy, professionalism, and respect to staff, docents, volunteers, and guests consistent with the

organization’s mission and core values.

· Verbal and written ability to communicate with Zoo staff. Able to interact positively with a variety of individuals

from varied socioeconomically backgrounds frequently.

· Performs other duties as required.

Position Qualifications

Education (Minimum Desired):

· Four-year degree

Experience (Minimum Desired):

· Three to five years’ experience in leading/managing fundraising special events.

Special Skills:

· High level of organization skills. Extensive verbal and written communication skills.

· Experience working with a multitude of external vendors.

· Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Other:

· Enthusiastic, self-reliant, independent attitude and approach to work. Must be able to multi-task and be a team

player.

· Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Core values.

· Must support the Buffalo Zoo’s DEAI values.

· Must possess or be able to obtain within 30-days of employment a valid New York State driver’s license and have an

average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is

contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non-

CDLC or CDL class).

· Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment general medical screen and drug test.

· Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.

Full-time non-exempt hourly position – Events Manager 4/2024

· Must understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position as per the job description, and certify

such by signing the job description acknowledgement form prior to first day of work.

· Must be able to operate a computer, two-way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after

training.

· Must be willing to comply with department’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures.

· Must provide proof of negative TB test at hire (within the last 12 months). TB test conducted annually.

· Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.

· Will be required to respond in a timely fashion as necessary to emergencies.

· Will be required to work before or after normal business hours, including weekends and holidays as necessary.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with

disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands

and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for extended periods of

time (repetitive motion). Sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close

vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The Buffalo Zoo is an at Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal

substance use as allowed by law.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER