Working Hours: Full time. Monday – Friday and occasional evening and weekend hours November – April; more frequent night and weekend hours May – October to manage private catered events and special event fundraisers.
Direct Supervisor’s Name and Title: Tyler Cassidy-Heacock, Director of Resource Development
FLSA Status: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The Private Events and Corporate Engagement Manager will provide overall leadership and management for private events on behalf of the Seneca Park Zoo Society. This includes setting the overall strategic direction for private events while also managing the logistical details, such as budgets and vendor relations, while ensuring compliance with all applicable agreements and protocols. This role serves as the primary liaison between the Zoo Society and The SSA Group, our on-site partner for admissions, concessions, and catering. The Private Events and Corporate Engagement Manager will seek out and support relationships with corporate partners, with a particular focus on researching and outreach to new prospective partners. As a part of the Events Department, this role supports signature fundraising events and third-party fundraisers by collaborating with the Special Events Manager and other members of the Development team and Senior Staff.
DUTIES
- This role has primary responsibility for private events held at Seneca Park Zoo (currently ~ 45 events per year) and is the designated staff member for all catering needs and inquiries. Responds to private event inquiries; actively solicits new private event clients; schedules site and venue tours; secures contracts for site and catering; proactively communicates and coordinates event plans with SSA Group and Monroe County Zoo stakeholders; requests, receives, and deposits all event payments; administers post-event surveys for all private events. As needed, coordinates external vendors for private events.
- With Special Events Manager, Volunteer Manager, Director of Resource Development, and Development Team, supports major Zoo signature events including ZooBrew, Zoobilation gala, and more. Takes leadership role in annual Dream Night after-hours event and annual Deaf Culture Awareness Day. Acts as primary liaison with The SSA Group for all fundraising events. Contributes event expertise to aid in developing and executing new events including third-party fundraisers. Staffs most Zoo Society events.
- Maintains strong and consistent private event policies, innovates opportunities for new private events or add-ons that drive revenue, and establishes protocols that will enable further growth of private event business.
- Assists in developing event concepts and templates for new spaces which will become available for private use and Society events with the completion of the Zoo’s capital projects (anticipated 2029).
- Achieves earned income goals for private catered events by negotiating and optimizing menus and add-on opportunities, fostering relationships with returning clients, soliciting new private event clients, and managing vendor contracts.
- Coordinates across SPZS Departments to arrange internal private events for donors, members, and other core constituent groups. Organizes these events in collaboration with department staff and The SSA Group to ensure success.
- Engages in year-round research, networking, and outreach to identify and engage new corporate partners; works closely with Director of Resource Development, Volunteer Manager, Chief Philanthropy Officer, and other staff to cultivate new corporate partnerships and deepen existing ones.
- With support from Director of Resource Development, participates in budget development and provides financial reporting to internal departments and external agencies.
- Collaboratively develops content for event correspondence, collateral materials, social media and web. Leads efforts to reach new audiences for private event business and corporate partnerships.
- Performs additional duties and responsibilities as needed.
SUPERVISION
| This position has shared oversight of the part-time Seasonal Events Assistant. |
TECHNOLOGY/ EQUIPMENT/ TOOLS
Laptop computer MS Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Salesforce, Shopify, Tripleseat, JotForm, and SurveyMonkey software |
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
| This position requires sitting, walking, standing, speaking, hearing, interacting with general public, visitors and staff. Will spend extended periods of time standing or moving. Lifting and carrying items up to 40 pounds is anticipated. |
WORK ENVIRONMENT
| Work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate noise. Walking to various locations throughout the Seneca Park Zoo will require exposure to outdoor elements. Due to Zoo’s hours of operation, night and weekend availability for special events is required and working hours and location will vary. |
Qualifications
Must be 21+
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
| Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent years of experience |
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
· Must possess three or more years of events-related experience. · Experience and aptitude in lead generation/sales, customer service, or prospecting. · Experience representing an organization or group in a variety of venues to diverse constituencies. · Experience building consensus across internal and external constituents. · Proven success in prioritizing based on key outcomes, operating against objectives and meeting deadlines. · Experience and confidence in autonomous decision-making and in working collaboratively as part of a team. · Must be proficient in Microsoft office products; Salesforce, Tripleseat, Shopify, and SurveyMonkey experience a plus. · Maintain a valid New York State Driver’s License. |
SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills. Highly organized strategic thinker. Strong organizational skills and confidence in setting and maintaining priorities among competing demands. Strong collaboration skills and ability to work well with others. Enjoys meeting new people and is comfortable working in an indoor-outdoor, all seasons venue. |
Please submit a cover letter and resume when applying.
Seneca Park Zoo Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
