Events and Rentals Manager

At Lincoln Children’s Zoo, our mission is to enrich lives through interaction with living things. We provide a hands-on experience for more than 250,000 guests per year and care for over 400 creatures. We are champions of STEM education through camps and programs and help families make memories by producing special events and experiences throughout the year.

As a team, we are serious about using our Core Values to guide our actions:

1. We are there for each other.

2. We generate enthusiasm.

3. We are humble.

4. We go above and beyond.

Position Summary: The Events and Rentals Manager will be responsible for planning, producing, and managing Lincoln Children’s Zoo private and public events from start to finish. This includes pre-event logistics with clients, on-site event coordination, and internal communication with full time and part time staff, preferred vendors, and outsourced contractors. The Events and Rentals Manager is also responsible for supporting the Food and Beverage Manager and managing the Event Assistant.

Essential Job Functions

• Act as the first point of contact for incoming calls and inquiry emails, responding in a timely manner.
• Oversee and manage Event Assistant, delegating client communications, event preparation, and on-site coordination as needed.
• Partner with the Director of Guest Experience to create, manage, and update Events and Rentals budget annually. Provide monthly updates to ensure budget needs are being met with accuracy.
• Actively track pre-and-post public event financials.
• Create, monitor, and adjust event and wedding pricing packages. Partner with Food and Beverage manager to monitor and adjust catering menu and bar service menu, as needed.
• Responsible for client relations such as providing client tours, advising clients on equipment, personnel required, and anticipated incurred charges as well as supplying the client with needed information and necessary forms to book services/events at the Zoo.
• Negotiate costs and services with vendors, arrange/schedule with the Food and Beverage Manager, and order all supplies and decorations.
• Prepare and review final event settlement paperwork at the conclusion of events with the client.
• Communicate other departmental needs during onsite events by creating workflow and diagrams of event set-up.
• Responsible for the management (set-up, tear down, radio communication, client assistance, staffing), of all Zoo events based on the needs requested for the event.
• Oversee planning, execution, and debrief of public ticketed events . Including but not limited to booking vendors, preparing event materials, and managing internal Zoo staff.
• Conducts planning, staffing needs, and operational meetings to ensure smooth production of events and provide support for staff during unexpected situations. Create and upload BEOs and all necessary event documents to ensure all team members are aware of expectations.

Preferred Talents

• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of event design, logistics, detail, and decorating.
• Strong skills in collaboration, teamwork, and project management.
• Exhibit a positive attitude and demeanor in high stress environments, being a support to Zoo staff and clients.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, Zoo employees at all levels, and potential event clientele.
• Enthusiasm for institutional mission, vision, and conservation goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relative area of study preferred.
• Minimum three years of experience in the hospitality/event industry; or equivalent experience in event planning.
• Knowledge of food and beverage preferred.
• Flexible schedule; must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person