Event Manager

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a renowned zoological park dedicated to the conservation, education, and enjoyment of animals and their habitats. Located in Central Florida, this institution serves as both a community resource and a premier destination for families, animal lovers, and environmental advocates. The Zoo offers a wide variety of exhibits and programs designed to foster appreciation for wildlife and encourage conservation efforts. At its core, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens strives to create memorable experiences that inspire guests to connect with nature and support its mission of preserving endangered species and their environments.

The Events Manager at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens plays a critical role in executing the Zoo's mission by planning, organizing, and overseeing an array of both public and private events. This full-time exempt position offers a salary range of $42,000 to $52,000 annually. The Events Manager is responsible for coordinating seven major public fundraising events each year, in addition to various private and singular events that arise. This leadership role involves managing a team of Event Coordinators who handle private bookings such as birthday parties and weddings. Collaboration is central to the position, with the Manager working closely alongside the Chief Development Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Director of Corporate Partnerships & Events, and other key staff members to design and deliver successful events that align with the Zoo’s objectives.

Beyond event planning, the Manager is tasked with overseeing cross-departmental collaboration involving Food & Beverage Operations, Admission teams, the Animal Department, and Zoo Educators. The goal is to produce fresh and engaging event activities that promote the Zoo’s mission while ensuring top-tier guest experiences. This role demands a strategic and operational leader who provides training, mentorship, and supervision to the Events Team, ensuring alignment with departmental and organizational goals. The Events Manager is also responsible for maintaining fiscal responsibility by preparing budgets, negotiating vendor agreements, and ensuring cost-effective services without compromising quality.

Additional responsibilities include managing communications related to events, from pre-event promotions and signage to post-event analysis and feedback integration. The Manager serves as a key liaison between the Zoo, its partners, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, ensuring all parties are well-coordinated and that contractual obligations are met. The role requires hands-on involvement in developing operational efficiencies, maintaining compliance with licenses and permits, and actively participating in the Zoo’s Site Manager Program. Physical demands are significant, particularly during event weeks which involve substantial setup and teardown activities.

Overall, the Events Manager position is ideal for a dynamic professional with extensive event management experience, preferably in the non-profit sector. The candidate must possess exemplary communication skills, the ability to multitask under pressure, and a passion for wildlife conservation and community engagement. By contributing to the success of fundraising and celebratory events, the Events Manager significantly supports the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ mission to protect wildlife and educate the public in an enjoyable, impactful setting.