Director of Special Projects

The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is excited to create more fun, interactive, awe-inspiring large-scale evening events and programs to engage with new Zoo audiences and connect the community we serve with wildlife. A new position reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director of Special Projects, has been created to lead these efforts as the Zoo launches new evening events and programs in the year ahead. The Director of Special Projects will identify, plan, implement and execute guest programs and experiences that align with the Zoo’s strategic plan, driving attendance and engagement, primarily after hours. The Director of Special Projects will coordinate and lead certain evening programs to be offered, including but not limited to a Jack-o-lantern Festival, a new spring evening event, and other wide-scale events and programming.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and project management skills, be an accomplished time and task manager, can hold themselves and others accountable against managing timelines and budgets, be effective at hiring and directing staff members and volunteers to contribute to the success of the event, and thrive in a problem-solving, logistics focused position.

Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to:

• Act as Production Manager for evening ticketed events at the zoo, including launching a Jack-O-Lantern Festival for the October timeframe, holiday programming and a new spring-time show (theme to be determined) that will speak to and inspire a wide-array of visitors.
• Lead the planning of the described events across Zoo departments to deliver a first rate, quality show that will capture audiences from near and far.
• Plan the events with attention to financial and time constraints.
• Coordinate the hiring and training of all zoo personnel who will assist with the programming.
• Coordinate and book all external services related to the programming, including, but not limited to intricate carvers and other artists, production companies, entertainment, lighting and sound, performance spaces/stages/equipment, etc.
• Secure all goods and supplies needed to deliver large-scale programs.
• Assist with the researching and planning of ticketed and value-added events, both new and established.
• Coordinate planning, setup, support, operations and breakdown for these ticketed events with various Zoo departments, including Visitor Services, Creative Services, Marketing, Maintenance, Horticulture, Grounds, , Community Events and Rentals, Education, etc.;
• Supervise event support staff leading up to and as part of the execution of the production (production and set-up crews, third party vendors).
• Cultivate and maintain a positive working environment.
• Effectively interact and communicate with employees, volunteers, and various external groups/vendors/third-party partners.
• Help to maintain the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s reputation for high quality events and aesthetics to advance the mission and encourage support of the Zoo.
• Lead new programs, events, and/or initiatives as identified by executive leadership.

Must:

• Self-motivated and results-driven logistics professional.
• Artistic/Creative mindset to visualize and execute unique and engaging programs.
• Effective leader with excellent communication skills.
• Problem solver who is flexible with quick changes and can think on their feet.
• Ability to direct large groups of staff/volunteers/third party partners prior to, during and after events.
• Excellent attention to detail with ability to keep events on time and on budget.

• Anticipate and communicate the needs of the event to the leadership team (i.e.: long lines, supplies lead times, etc.).

This job is a demanding position that requires the successful candidate to:

• Lift and carry objects up to 50lbs.
• Walk comfortably for several hours throughout the zoo.
• Be active for several hours at a time.
• Stand for several hours at a time.
• Follow directions.
• Work through weather elements of rain, cold, extreme heat.
• Work early mornings and/or late nights AND weekends to ensure events are successfully delivered.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business management or events/hospitality and/or 3-5 years of large-scale event management experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and relevant design and operations software.
• Strong initiative and customer service orientation.
• Creative thinker with strong problem-solving and logistics skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Flexible Hours: Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary to execute/launch programs and events.

Salary Info:

Budgeted salary for this position ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 based on experience.