Manager of Event Productions (Full-Time)

ZooTampa; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life

403(b) Retirement Plan

Generous PTO (Vacation and Wellness)

Employee Assistance Program

Free admission to ZooTampa

Discounted attractions in Florida

Job summary

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is seeking a dynamic Manager of Event Productions to lead our events team and deliver unforgettable experiences for guests and wildlife audiences in Tampa, FL. This full-time role involves planning, budgeting, and on-site coordination across seasonal events and community outreach.

You will manage timelines, collaborate with Zoo staff, mentor seasonally hired hosts and mascots, and ensure high-quality guest service in all weather and crowd conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, attractions, and/or theater is preferred.
• Basic A/V knowledge is preferred.
• Ability to influence and lead other departments through event planning process.
• Exhibits project management skills, including designing, implementing, and tracking events and programs.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, responding to sensitive inquiries with professionalism and tact.

Responsibilities

• Acts as primary contact, project manager, and facilitator of all consumer events as assigned by the Director of Event Productions.
• Plans, implements, and manages all consumer events, including Creatures of the Night, Christmas in the Wild, fundraising events, and other events.
• Capable of working in labor-intensive conditions and dynamic outdoor environments with a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and special events.
• Manages the installation and strike of all consumer events.
• Collaborate with Zoo staff to develop timelines and operating guidelines for consumer events.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of all consumer events to preserve institutional knowledge and support improvement.
• Develops and manages event budgets by tracking expenditures to ensure accuracy.
• Maintains professional relationships with internal teams and external vendors.
• Ensure timely communication with guests, staff, and Zoo leadership for seamless event execution.
• Assists with Zoo-wide audio/visual needs by troubleshooting issues and informing AV Coordinator.

Skills

Deadline oriented

Cross-team leadership

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Project management

Education

A.A. or Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality/event management/related field

Job description

Position:Manager of Event Productions (Full-Time)

Location: Tampa, FL

Job Id:2618

# of Openings:1

Are you an enthusiastic and engaging manager with a passion for creating extraordinary guest experiences?

ZooTampa is seeking a dynamic Manager of Event Productions to lead our team and execute unforgettable events that inspire, entertain, and delight.

Why Join Us?

• Lead impactful events that connect guests with wildlife and conservation
• Work in a vibrant, fast-paced environment with a collaborative and supportive team
• Be part of one of Tampa Bay’s most beloved attractions

Position Summary

This role is involved inplanning, implementation, and management of all consumer events at ZooTampa. This roleis responsible forinternal meetings, member events, outreach activities,mascot management,scheduling, and other consumer-direct functions. Provides on-site weekend coverage for the Events teamas needed and must be available for management responsibilities during all seasonal onsite events.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats, lush tropical gardens, and engaging activities. As an AZA-accredited zoo, we offer award-winning educational programs, up-close animal encounters, and fun seasonal events.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day.

Essential Functions (Including, but not limited to):

• Acts as primary contact, project manager, and facilitator of all consumer events as assigned by the Director of Event Productions.
• Part of the team that plans, implements, and manages all consumer events, including but not limited to Creatures of the Night, Christmas in the Wild, fundraising events, and other events assigned.
• Capable of working in labor-intensive conditions and dynamic outdoor environments with a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and special events.
• Manages the installation and strike of all consumer events.
• Collaborate with Zoo staff to develop timelines and operating guidelines for consumer events.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of all consumer events to preserve institutional knowledge, safeguard progress, and support continuous improvement.
• Develops and manages event budgets by tracking and monitoring expenditures to ensure budget accuracy.
• Maintains professional and collaborative relationships with both internal teams and external vendors.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication with guests, staff, and Zoo leadership to support seamless event execution.
• Assists with Zoo-wide audio/visual needs by troubleshooting technical issues when possible and promptly communicating any concerns to the AV Coordinator.
• Responsible for mentoring, training, and supervising seasonal Event Production Hosts, Host Leads, and Costume Characters (Mascots), ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional customer service.
• Schedules and participates in weekly meetings to support Zoo-wide communication and coordination across departments for all consumer events.
• Manages a wide range of complex and confidential situations, resolving conflicts related to Zoo events with professionalism and discretion.
• Ensure adequate inventory of event supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A.A. or Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, event management, communication, business, or related field required or 3 years of applicable job experience.
• Basic A/V knowledge is preferred.
• Experience in hospitality, attractions, and/or theater is preferred.
• Ability to influence and lead other departments through event planning process.
• Exhibits project management skills, including designing, implementing, and tracking events and programs.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, responding to sensitive inquiries or complaints with professionalism and tact.
• Demonstrates a high level of discretion when handling confidential information related to ZooTampa events and development efforts.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a hands-on team.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, outdoor environments with varying schedules, including nights, weekends, and all consumer events.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with guests and employees.
• Able to work in labor-intensive conditions and dynamic outdoor environments with flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and special events such as Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild.

Skills:

• Must be deadline oriented.
• Capable of influencing and leading cross-departmental teams throughout the event planning and production process.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, with the capability to think critically and independently with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
• Exhibits project management skills, including designing, implementing, and tracking events and programs

Other Requirements

• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold)
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life Insurance options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO (Vacation and Wellness Time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace