Events Coordinator

chattzoo; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chattanooga Zoo is seeking an energetic Events Coordinator to plan, coordinate, and execute all zoo events, daytime attendance initiatives, and awareness days. You will work under the Director of Events & Experiences to ensure seamless day‑of execution, including weekends.

The role requires strong planning, communication with various departments, and the ability to manage budgets, vendors, and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in event planning and execution.
• Two years in customer service / public facing roles.
• Proficient in Google Suite and Canva.
• Proven ability to multi-task and problem solve.
• Two years of college coursework in business management, nonprofit administration, hospitality, or guest experiences related field is preferred.
• Any combination of equivalent education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct event planning meetings and communicate event needs to appropriate departments for Zoo Events, daytime attendance drivers, awareness days & facilities rentals.
• Oversee logistics and execution of special events, awareness days & facilities rentals.
• Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.
• Coordinate services for events and facilities rentals, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, entertainment, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing, and event security.
• Coordinate the set up and tear down of all equipment and waste from events & rentals.
• Manage all special event supplies.
• Maintain records for all aspects of events, including financial details and conducts post‑event evaluations for decisions regarding future performance.
• Solicit donations and sponsorships for special events.

Skills

Event planning

Public facing

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Customer service

Education

College coursework in business management, nonprofit administration, hospitality, or guest experiences

Tools

Google Suite

Canva

Job description

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an energetic person to be our Events Coordinator. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Director of Events & Experiences to coordinate, plan, and implement all aspects of zoo events, daytime attendance drivers, and awareness days. Incumbent must be able to oversee the day‑of execution of events, including weekends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and conduct event planning meetings and communicate event needs to appropriate departments for Zoo Events, daytime attendance drivers, awareness days & facilities rentals.
• Participate as a member of the Conservation Committee for the planning and execution of Safe and Awareness Days.
• Oversee logistics and execution of special events, awareness days & facilities rentals.
• Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.
• Coordinate services for events and facilities rentals, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, entertainment, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing, and event security.
• Coordinate the set up and tear down of all equipment and waste from events & rentals.
• Manage all special event supplies.
• Maintain records for all aspects of events, including financial details and conducts post‑event evaluations for decisions regarding future performance.
• Solicit donations and sponsorships for special events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years of experience in event planning and execution
• Two (2) years in customer service / public facing roles.
• Must be proficient in Google Suite and Canva
• Proven ability to multi‑task and problem solve
• Two (2) years of college coursework in business management, nonprofit administration, hospitality, or guest experiences related field is preferred.
• Any combination of equivalent education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Driver's License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Light: Exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force to constantly move objects. This position requires sitting or standing for long periods of time but also may require movement across Zoo grounds.

Physical Environment: This position is generally required to perform work within an office setting and occasionally exposed to external elements which include heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid and extreme weather conditions.

The Friends of the Zoo, Inc (Chattanooga Zoo) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. We are committed to a welcoming environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the unique qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Chattanooga Zoo has adopted a smoke-free campus to serve as a leader in promoting a healthy workplace and environment. Chattanooga Zoo is a member of the Tennessee Drug‑Free Workplace program. This position requires pre-employment screenings which will include: a background check and drug screen.