Summary

BASIC FUNCTION :

This position contributes to the success Brookfield Zoo Chicago by creating and providing an extraordinary guest experience, driving attendance through supporting engaging and impactful onsite, special events, and helping to grow and diversify the Zoo’s audience base.

Description

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Assist in the planning and execution of an annual series of special events that support overall strategic marketing and attendance goals for Brookfield Zoo Chicago ( BZC ).

Research and recommend new special event ideas, strategies, and opportunities in partnership with the Marketing Events Manager.

Provide planning and event execution assistance of all elements of Marketing special events, with responsibilities including, but not limited to : coordinating necessary communication through all phases of each event to ensure smooth implementation;

following event day plans, timelines, and policies; ensuring pre-event setup and day-of-event logistics and coordination.

Work with the Marketing Events Manager on special event production expenditures and special event revenue. Assist in the tracking process of sourcing, accepting proposals, contracting, invoicing, and confirming of payment for all selected suppliers (i.

e., entertainers, rental companies, audio-visual suppliers, lighting vendors, etc.) while complying with BZC’s policies and MBE / WBE / DBE Supplier Diversity Program.

Coordinate with Zoo departments, Guest Services team, and other event partners with special event information, calendar, images, and registration for collaborative and informed promotion of events.

Collaborate with PR, Marketing, Outreach, Education and Development team members on new promotional and marketing opportunities to grow and support special event attendance.

• Assist in conducting special event reporting and administrative functions including event recaps reporting, monitoring guest event satisfaction for enhancement opportunities, organizing of event materials.
• Serve as customer service liaison for marketing events, responding to event-related inquiries, ticketing and registrations difficulties, and other guest requests or comments as needed.
• Support the manager with coordination related to volunteers, internal staff, and vendors in the execution of onsite special events.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

POSITION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

One year of college or two years of equivalent combination of training and / or work, internship or volunteer experience providing event planning, marketing, or project management required.

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

• Two years’ experience in event planning, marketing, or project management.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a warm, amiable personality.
• Ability to build rapport and interact effectively with others, including but not limited to internal staff, volunteers, vendors, and suppliers.
• Must be proactive, persistent, helpful, and able to deal calmly with multiple issues.
• Strong communication skills, verbal, written, including effective listening and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and in teams.
• English fluency at a full professional proficiency.
• Cultural competency; experience and / or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE / PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Associates degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or related field or four years’ equivalent combination of training and / or experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
• Experience working for another experience-based organization, zoo, aquarium, museum, or cultural organization a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :

Position requires numerous weekend days, evenings, early mornings, and travel as needed. Incumbent must be highly professional and tactful and represent the organization in a professional manner.

Must be comfortable with long periods standing, being outside, and dealing with varying weather conditions. Must gain an understanding of BZC’s mission, vision, and values, as well as a comprehensive understanding and sensitivity to BZC audiences.

Compensation & Benefits