Special Events and Attractions Manager

 

The Manager of Special Events and Attractions is responsible for managing the staff and resources needed to plan and execute multiple large and small scale, revenue-generating events and attractions.  This includes the Dallas Zoo’s park-wide holiday lights experience (Dallas Zoo Lights) as well as other permanent and temporary installations and attractions. This position manages a team of full-time and variable-hour staff and requires creativity, planning, organization, and an adherence to deadlines and safety procedures to ensure Dallas Zoo events and attractions achieve desired expectations, on time and on budget.  This position reports directly to the Director of Special Events, and Attractions and works closely with the Guest Services Department and other Zoo departments to help create Best Day Ever experiences at the Dallas Zoo.

 

 

 

 

• Leads the hiring, training, and management of full-time and variable hour events and attractions staff.

• Assists the Director of Special Events and Attractions with strategic thinking, planning and execution of innovative events and attraction ideas that generate mission resources for the Dallas Zoo.

• Supervises, mentors and ensures Assistant Managers have the resources to perform their duties and the training and preparation to fill in for the Manager in their absence.

• Assists the Director of Special Events and Attractions with budget development and monitoring to ensure target goals are met.

• Helps train staff on tool and equipment use and proper installation methods (boom lift, ladders, hand tools, etc…).

• Helps develop SOP’s with Assistant Managers and ensures these practices are understood and followed for accountability.  

• Collaborates with various Zoo departments to ensure events and attractions create a safe experience for guests and animals.

• Ensures material inventory, supplies, and equipment required for event implementation is available on time and on budget.

• Provides oversight for Zoo vendor work to ensure that work is conducted in accordance with the contractual agreement and Zoo guidelines for safety, efficiency and guest satisfaction. 

• Perform other duties as assigned in other guest service areas as needed. 

 

 

 

• Prior Zoo or Aquarium management experience and/or a Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality management or related field, preferred.

• Must have a minimum of two years’ experience in hospitality management / guest services management.

• Must have a positive, can-do attitude for problem resolution

• Must be capable of working independently as well as being part of a team

• Must have excellent customer service skills and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees and zoo guests

• Must be able to communicate effectively

• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions, be flexible, self-motivated and a team player with good observational skills

• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50lbs 

• Ability to work evenings and weekends

• Must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license and reliable transportation