Director of Events

Position Summary

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo is seeking a seasoned passionate individual to fulfill the role of Director of Events. In this opportunity you will drive the strategic direction of public and private events, oversee department budget and participate in end to end planning for events hosted at the zoo. Director of Events oversees all aspects of the events department which includes sales, logistics, marketing, project management and day-to-day operations. In this role you will assess and enhance operations, cultivate interdepartmental relationships, and execute memorable events . With a sharp focus on driving revenue, profit and loss analysis, project management, and timeline adherence, you will ensure excellence in every detail while coaching and evaluating our event team. From contract oversight to customer service, your leadership will ensure seamless execution and unforgettable experiences. If you are a proactive leader with exceptional communication skills and a knack for thriving under pressure, join us as our Director of Events.

As the Director of Events you will:

• Lead, oversee and provide direction on all matters pertaining to the zoo’s events portfolio including:
  • Strategic internal events geared towards fundraising, improving culture and advancing the Oregon Zoo brand with a keen focus on racial equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness.
  • Ticketed events including music and brew events.
  • Attendance driving events that enhance guest experience.
  • Private events geared towards corporate clients that focus on maximizing event space, space rental and food and beverage sales.
  • Walks and run events sales.
  • ZooLights design and programming.
  • Other public events throughout the year.
• Evaluate and enhance current sales operations, devising strategies to streamline sales performance and build revenue streams.
• Cultivate and develop relationships across all departments including the zoo’s exclusive Food and Beverage provider to ensure that team is supporting the larger mission and vision by creating an outstanding guest experience.
• Ensure effective and clear communication to zoo departments that support events including, but not limited to, Animal Care, Public Safety, Maintenance, Marketing and Communication, Horticulture, Guest Services, Volunteers and Educations with the goal of maintaining essential zoo operations and consistent operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative strategies for special events, with a focus on increasing attendance, enhancing member engagement, fundraising, and service delivery with various sectors including private, service, and community while prioritizing diversity and inclusion of communities of color.
• Ensure budget goals are met or exceeded. Monitor sales forecasts and evaluate expenses to maintain profitability and performance within budget constraints and timelines.
• Supervise project timelines and financial processes, ensuring deadlines are met on time and on budget while also incorporating principles of equity into all aspects of event planning and execution.
• Develop and conduct regular assessment methods to review events to assure that continuous excellent service, quality, and a high level of professionalism is maintained by food partner, zoo team members and external contractors providing services. Ensure positive guest interactions and compliance with established customer service standards with a racial equity lens.
• Provide leadership, coaching and evaluations for the event management team. Develop, direct, and maintain programs that attract diverse groups to the zoo and give back to the community we serve.
• Navigate contract management and oversight of purchasing activities; prepares scope of work and executes contracts for events, supply purchases and professional services; approves supply and equipment purchases utilizing COBID and supplier diversity vendor selection where available.

• Proficient in managing multiple projects concurrently
• Extensive knowledge in event oversight in both sales and operations
• Knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices, including planning and organizing work activities, recruitment and equitable hiring practices, training and coaching staff.
• Ability to coach, mentor, motivate and engage staff. Possess a professional and positive attitude in a stressful environment.
• Possesses strong facilitation, collaboration, and negotiation skills.
• Experience in a venue that produces a variety of large-scale events.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, effectively conveying ideas and information with clarity and professionalism.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly in a constantly changing environment.
• Exhibits strong leadership skills and the ability to meet deadlines amidst competing priorities and unpredictable work conditions.
• Knowledge and ability to lead with a racial equity lens and ability to implement and integrate into work practices.

• 3 years leading, managing or supervising managers and staff and;
• Bachelor’s degree in the assigned program areas or related field and;
• Two years of project management experience in area of responsibilities or;
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job

• Valid driver’s license (includes a driver’s license check at time of hire if selected)

• Experience supervising or leading in a union environment
• Experience supervising large teams of people from diverse backgrounds
• Sales management experience in a large venue
• Experience working in a zoo or another large public venue or attraction
• Hospitality, hotel, and attraction experience is desirable

• Attachment of a resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each position:
  • Name of employer
  • Location
  • Dates of employment
  • Your title
  • Summary of your responsibilities
  • The number of employees under your supervision
• Attachment of a cover letter that describes your experience that best relates to this role, why you are interested in coming to the zoo.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference Check
• Driving records check for finalist candidate

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.

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Metro
Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.
As part of the Metro family, Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro
The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision health insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training opportunities
• Flexible schedules depending on position and department
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department