Events Assistant

About the Virginia Zoo: Established in 1901, the Virginia Zoo is a cherished cultural and educational landmark situated in Norfolk, Virginia. Spanning 53 acres, the zoo proudly houses over 700 animals representing more than 150 distinct species. This zoological park offers a predominantly outdoor experience complemented by an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, three educational classrooms, an indoor restaurant, and a gift shop, making it a beloved destination for families, school groups, and visitors seeking to connect with nature and learn about wildlife conservation. The zoo's mission emphasizes conservation, education, and community engagement, providing a meaningful experience that inspires and informs visitors about the importance of protecting our planet’s diverse ecosystems.

About the Role - Event Assistant: The Virginia Zoo is currently seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Event Assistant to join its team on a full-time basis. Reporting directly to the Events Manager, this non-exempt position plays a key role in the planning and execution of a variety of engaging events throughout the year. As an Event Assistant, your primary responsibilities will revolve around supporting the Events Manager and the Events Department by coordinating vendors, collaborating with the marketing team for event promotion, and managing administrative tasks essential for smooth event operations.

In this role, you will assist in communicating with vendors including DJs, food trucks, bounce house rentals, and various community partners, ensuring that logistical details such as arrival times and load-in/load-out procedures are well coordinated. Maintaining vendor agreements and ensuring compliance with zoo policies will also be critical aspects of your job. You will actively contribute to developing new partnerships and sponsorships that enhance the overall event offerings, helping to create memorable experiences for attendees.

Event Assistant duties also include distributing promotional materials within the community to boost event attendance, assisting with event setup and breakdown, and serving as an onsite point of contact during events to answer guest inquiries. Your organizational skills will come into play as you maintain event checklists, timelines, itineraries, and post-event reports. Moreover, you will collaborate closely with other zoo departments and volunteers to ensure a seamless event experience.

Success in this role demands excellent organizational and communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and comfort working in a fast-paced and occasionally stressful environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, flexibility to work nights and weekends, and maintaining confidentiality relative to donor and prospect information are also essential. The hourly salary range for this role is $15 to $17.50, reflecting the value placed on these skills and responsibilities. This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant team dedicated to delivering outstanding events that enrich the community’s connection to wildlife and conservation education.