Public Events Experience Specialist

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Public Events Experience Specialist to support the ideation, design, and hands-on delivery of large-scale public programs that attract diverse guests. You will help shape guest journeys from concept through post-event review, working with Marketing, Education, and Operations to ensure a memorable Zoo experience.

The role involves evenings, weekends, and holidays during event nights, with opportunities for growth within the Events team.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience coordinating events in live settings.
• Experience supporting large-scale public events in entertainment or attractions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Concept and design public events aligned with the Zoo brand and audience goals.
• Assist with event production, vendor coordination, and on-site execution.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Education, and Operations to ensure a cohesive guest experience.
• Support post-event evaluation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Creative thinker

Self-motivated

Hospitality & guest service

Interpersonal & communication

Microsoft Office

Event planning tools

Tools

Ticketing tools

Project management tools

Job description

Job Title: Public Events Experience SpecialistFLSA Status: Non-exemptClassification: Full TimeHours: Varies based on event needs; includes weekends, holidays, and eveningsPay Rate: Range starts at $20.49/hourSummary:The Public Events Experience Specialist supports the creative development and execution of the Zoo’s most iconic public events, helping transform beloved spaces into immersive, memorable experiences that attract new audiences and deepen community connection. Reporting to the Director of Events, this role contributes to the ideation, design, and onsite delivery of large-scale public programs that extend the Zoo experience beyond traditional daytime visitation.This position supports a robust portfolio of signature public events spanning over 70 event nights annually and welcoming more than 150,000 guests. Events such as Zoolightful, Zootacular, Late Nights at the Zoo, and Shark Tunnel of Love invite guests to experience the Zoo in unexpected ways, creating moments that feel festive, intimate, and distinctly different from a typical visit.Working in close collaboration with Events leadership and cross-functional partners, the Public Events Experience Specialist helps shape the end-to-end guest journey, from early concept development and research through event execution and post-event evaluation. This role is hands-on, creative, and detail-oriented, offering meaningful exposure to large-scale event production and significant opportunity for growth within the Events team.This professional role is ideal for someone who is curious, imaginative, service-minded, and eager to participate in the process of building, delivering, and refining exceptional public events.Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):Event Concepting and Experience DesignSupport ideation and development of public event concepts that are creative, relevant, and aligned with the Zoo’s brand, mission and audience goals.Research trends and benchmark comparable events to inform new ideas and enhancements.Assist in refreshing existing events to keep experiences dynamic, timely/relevant, and engaging.Contribute to experience design by considering guest flow, atmosphere, storytelling, and moments of delight.Partner with key stakeholders, including Marketing and Education, to ensure event storytelling is properly told and reflects the brand, mission and work we do.Event Production and ExecutionSupport the coordination of vendors, performers, partners, and experience providers under the direction of Events leadership.Assist with planning logistics, timelines, run-of-show details, and onsite coordination.Serve as visible, welcoming presence during events, supporting activations and guest engagement.Provide hands-on support during live events, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Marketing to support accurate and compelling representation of public events across digital platforms and promotional materials.Collaborate with Business Systems and internal teams to support ticketing setup and digital guest touchpoints.Collaborate cross-departmentally with Food and Beverage, Retail Operations, and Guest Services to ensure alignment of guest amenities, operational readiness, and overall event experience enhancements.Coordinate with internal Zoo teams to ensure public events align with safety standards, and guest service expectations.Guest Journey and Continuous ImprovementSupport a holistic view of the guest journey, from discovery and ticket purchase through arrival, attendance and post-event follow-up.Reference guest feedback and performance insights as a guide to how an event feels and resonates with guests, and iterate on the experience as needed.Contribute to real-time adjustments and post-event learnings that inform future improvements.Support testing and iteration of experiences to continuously elevate quality and guest satisfaction.Private Events Support (as needed)Provide occasional support to private event experience initiatives when needed, recognizing that public events are the primary focus of this role.Supervisory Responsibilities:NoneQualifications:2+ years of experience supporting or coordinating events; experience in live events, hospitality, entertainment, or attractions preferred.Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.Creative thinker with the ability to balance imagination and practicality.Self-motivated and eager to take ownership of tasks and projects.Service-oriented mindset with a natural sense of hospitality and comfort engaging with guests and partners.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams.Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with changing priorities.Proficiency in Microsoft OfficeFamiliarity with event planning, ticketing, or project management tools is a plus.Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.Work Environment and Physical Demands:Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods during events.Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays based on event schedules.Ability to lift up to 30 pounds as needed for event setup and breakdown.DISCLAIMERThe information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.