Events Specialist

Houston Zoo; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Zoo in Houston, TX seeks a seasoned Special Events planner to design and execute internal and external events, driving revenue while delivering exceptional guest experiences. You will coordinate catering, venue setup, security, animal considerations, and cross‑department collaboration from inception to completion.

The role requires a BA/BS or equivalent, the ability to work independently, and strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Ability to partner across teams and with all levels of staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan and produce Special Events, including internal events and external venues.
• Coordinate all event tasks: catering, venue setup, security, grounds, and animal considerations.
• Drive revenue growth while maximizing guest experience and advancing the zoo mission.
• Prepare proposals, event orders, and contracts; create event diagrams/layouts.
• Conduct site visits for prospective and current clients; upsell to meet revenue goals.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure smooth operations before, during, and after events.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Facilitation skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS)

Tools

CaterEase software

Job description

JobDuties and Responsibilities

Responsible for theplanningandproductionof Special Events at Houston Zoo.This includesinternalevents and events hosted by outside organizations and/or individuals. Tasks includeprivate event sales,customizing design of events andcoordinating all operational tasks associated with events including security, grounds, maintenance support, animal management,etc.Work closely with allthe otherzoo departments to ensure that events run smoothly frominceptionto completion.The overallfocus isto drive revenue growth whilemaximizing theclientexperienceandadvancing thezoo mission.Our Mission:Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.Our Vision:Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Makesdecisionswiththe bestinterestsof Houston Zoo: our mission, ourguests,and our animal collection.

Plans, orders, acceptsandoversees catering/food needs; tables, chairs, and linens; decorations; venue set-up; venue breakdown and other staffing needs for internal and externalevents.

Ensuresthat all event facility policies and procedures are beingfollowedby clients and vendors, and recommend changes, asneeded.

Securescontractswith vendorsfor events, making them aware ofzoo policies andprocedures.

Preparesevent notices, workordersand other support requestsin a timelymanner.

Ensurescomplete,timely,accuratecommunication of special event details withappropriate departments,staff,andvolunteers.

Ensuresthat the client’s needs have been met before, during and after anevent, troubleshooting any issues that arise.

Contributesto the selling of private events, responding to inquiries via email andtelephone.

Performssite visits for new and existingclients.

Preparesproposals, Banquet Event Orders,and updatesevent contracts asneededusingCater easesoftware.Createsevent diagrams/layoutsusing diagramming software

Maximizesrevenues for Houston Zoo through upsellingtechniquesto meet revenue goals

Maintainsan inventory of all event supplies and equipment. Replenish,repair,or replace inventory as needed.

Servesas Internal event staff to all other departments, including but not limited to: Development,Volunteers,Education, Animals and Conservation.

Conductsindependent research on things such as industry trends and event venues to ensureHouston Zoo’s event programremainsrelevant andadaptable.

Independently oversees events assigned and is empowered to maketimely, sound decisions across all operating hours, including before or after-hours events, weekends, and holidays.

Collaborates closely with the Business Operations team to align front- and back-of-house systems and processes, ensuringan efficient, integrated, and guest-focused experience.

Contributes to saving animals in the wildthrough:reduction of waste, water and energy use andinspiring guests and staff to take wildlifeprotectionactions.

Contributes to other operational priorities as needed.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ability to workindependently with minimalsupervision.

Excellent oral and written communications skills

Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills

Ability to partneracrossteams and with all levels ofstaff.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.