Event Manager

Job Title: Event Manager
Department: Guest Experience
Reports to: Director, Guest Experience & Retail
Classification: Exempt Status

I. Job Summary
Joining the Wonder Gardens (TWG) team provides the opportunity to advocate for one of Southwest Florida’s favorite attractions. This position reports to the Director, Guest Experience & Retail, to create, plan, manage and carry out events at The Wonder Gardens, start to finish.

Responsibilities include planning fundraising events, as well as working with clients considering booking or those who have booked our facility for weddings, parties and meetings, as well as soliciting event bookings. Tracking and projection of events in detailed spreadsheets and reports.

The Event Manager is responsible for demonstrating integrity, self-accountability, and self-development.

II. Key Responsibilities

Help develop our events from proposal right up to delivery, including, but not limited to:

- Setting, communicating and maintaining project timelines and priorities

- Soliciting and developing industry contacts with whom to partner on events

- Liaising with external suppliers including caterers, speakers, rental companies and other vendors related to event planning to form strategic partnerships

- Organize sponsorship of external events

- In partnership with the Marketing & PR Manager, develop promotional materials and maintain and update website content for conferences, events and seminars

-With management input, develop, maintain and deliver on an annual plan for events which ensures a geographical and sectorial balance, a range of sizes and topics

- Deliver events on time, within budget

- Provide complete dateline and timeline for each event on corporate form to ensure all involved in set-up know their roles well in advance

- On-the-day/evening management and presence at events

- Innovate new events to keep public engaged

The Collections

• Maintain a basic familiarity with TWG’s animal collection and develop an understanding of the importance the collection plays in the fulfillment of TWG’s mission.

• Possess a general knowledge and be able to identify the location of key exhibits and displays in order to address inquiries.

Programming

• Work as a team member in overseeing the planning and production of fundraising and other events as requested.

• Manage the distribution of advertising material, sending out invitations, solicit event sponsorships and handle post-event correspondences.

Regulatory Compliance

Direct local and federal inspection agencies to the correct department upon arrival to TWG

Safety

• Possess knowledge of safety and emergency procedures and policies at TWG.
• Be aware of the use and location of personal protective and emergency equipment.

Volunteers and Student Interns

• Recognize and treat volunteers and interns as with respect.

• Commit to providing them with a beneficial and positive learning experience.

The Public/Customer Service

• Always remain acutely aware of the presence of needs of guests of TWG.

• Maintain a friendly, courteous, and helpful attitude towards visitors.

III. Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, event planning, business or equivalent

• Minimum 4 years of related experience required with a proven success record, as well as proficient in use of Microsoft Office software, including Word and Excel.

• Able to manage multiple projects, handle interruptions and shifting priorities, maintain focus on tasks, and pay meticulous attention to detail

• Knowledge and understanding of customer service and office procedures; experience working in the hospitality/event planning arena a plus

• Self-motivated with excellent time management skills and accuracy

• Strong written and verbal communication and the ability to communicate effectively with donors, corporate partners, colleagues, and the general public

• Able to work independently and as a team member, and assume new responsibilities as determined

• Commitment to the mission, vision and values of the Wonder Gardens

• Able to lift up to 30 lbs

• Ability to handle confidential information in a professional and discrete manner

• Have consistent and reliable transportation to and from TWG

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any company

• Must be available days, evenings and weekends. Significant evening and weekend hours are required to accommodate programs and events

• Must be able to think creatively and demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills free from errors.

• Ability to work independently, at times with minimal supervision, as well as on a team, as necessary

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Event planning: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: One location