Event Manager & Office Admin

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a renowned nonprofit sanctuary located in the picturesque Portage Valley, framed by the stunning Chugach Mountain Range and the serene Turnagain Arm Inlet. Situated at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, AWCC is dedicated to the vital mission of preserving Alaska's unique wildlife through a multifaceted approach that includes conservation efforts, education initiatives, research, and top-tier animal care. The sanctuary is home to orphaned and injured animals that arrive throughout the year, offering them a safe and permanent habitat where they can thrive. Spanning over 200 acres, the facility provides spacious, naturalistic enclosures that promote the wellbeing of its animal residents, who also act as ambassadors for their species, fostering a deeper public understanding and appreciation of Alaska's rich fauna.

Within its tranquil and scenic environment, AWCC creates an immersive Alaska experience for visitors, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain vistas, majestic alpine glaciers, and the dramatic waters of the Turnagain Arm Inlet. This exceptional backdrop makes the center a prime location for hosting a range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.

The role of Event Manager & Office Admin at AWCC presents a unique and dynamic opportunity to blend event coordination with essential administrative support in one of Alaska’s most extraordinary natural settings. Reporting directly to the Director of Sales & Marketing, the Event Manager & Office Admin is responsible for orchestrating every detail of an event's lifecycle—beginning with initial inquiries and culminating in successful event execution and follow-up. These events include weddings, corporate retreats, board meetings, luncheons, team building activities, birthday parties, and AWCC’s signature community celebrations such as Mother’s Day, Military Mondays, and the AWCC Birthday Celebration.

This fulltime, year-round position is hands-on and fast-paced, perfect for a professional who thrives in a high-energy environment and takes delight in creating memorable and seamless experiences. The Event Manager & Office Admin manages logistical aspects including scheduling, hosting site tours, coordinating layouts and timelines, and working closely with clients, caterers, decorators, and other vendors. Close collaboration with the Director of Sales & Marketing helps to support event sales, contracting, and vendor relationships, ensuring compliance and successful partnerships. Additionally, the manager plays a pivotal role during events by overseeing setup, execution, and breakdown while handling any challenges that arise in real-time.

Beyond event management, this role also carries significant responsibilities in administrative support. The manager handles communication channels such as the main phone line and shared email inbox, responds to inquiries, monitors social media messages, and serves as the Manager on Duty during assigned shifts. Cross-departmental collaboration includes support for retail and admissions functions, contributing to POS operations, donation and membership processing, and educational programming assistance.

The position requires excellent organizational and multitasking skills to thrive in this varied role. Flexibility to work a schedule that includes four 10-hour days, usually from Friday through Monday, with additional night, weekend, and holiday hours as needed, is essential. Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors in challenging weather conditions and possess a valid driver’s license along with proof of current tetanus vaccination.

With an annual salary starting at $65,000 (depending on experience) and a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays, sick leave, paid time off, a retirement plan with employer matching, and full medical, dental, and vision coverage, this role offers a rewarding career at the heart of Alaska’s wild beauty. The Event Manager & Office Admin position at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is ideal for an enthusiastic professional eager to contribute to the organization’s mission while delivering exceptional event experiences in a truly one-of-a-kind location.