Rentals and Events Manager

Rentals and Events Manager

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

General Summary
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The Rentals and Events Manager will drive revenue growth through sales, coordination, and execution of weddings, social rentals, and large-scale events at the Zoo. This role actively fosters and manages client relationships to optimize bookings, deliver guest experiences, and position the Zoo as a primary event destination. The major responsibility of the Manager is to oversee all planning from initial inquiry and contract negotiation through on-site event management and post-event follow-up.

They also assist in managing a small team to ensure seamless operations, consistent communication, and outstanding service across all events. The Rentals and Events Manager will serve as the on-site lead for clients, vendors, and Zoo staff to ensure that every event meets the Zoo s standards of excellence. Additionally, the Rentals and Events Manager will support the Zoo’s broader mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Please Note
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This position will be available starting March 2, 2026
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• Lead and manage the sales process for weddings, social rentals, and large-scale events, including responding to inquiries, conducting site tours, preparing contracts, and securing bookings to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and community partners to drive repeat business and positive referrals.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of all rental and Zoo-hosted events, ensuring exceptional guest experiences from contract signing through post-event follow-up.
• Perform event setup and breakdown, assist with onsite oversight and execution on event days, including guest check-in, directional support, volunteer deployment, merchandise sales, beverage pouring, etc.
• Assist in managing and mentoring a small events team, guiding client communication, event execution, and customer service best practices.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote event offerings, increase wedding and rental bookings, and enhance the Zoo’s reputation as a premier event destination.
• Communicate with outside contractors regarding event setup details, mail confirmation packages, confirm and coordinate the arrival of vendors and sponsors for events, monitor setup and ensure their needs are met throughout the event.
• Maintain accurate and organized records, contracts, and client information in the CRM system, ensuring timely invoicing and payment tracking.
• Respond to event-related inquiries, assist guests with scheduling tickets, send out confirmation emails, and reschedule tickets as needed.
• Digitize and organize past and current department files, data entry for vendor information, and CRM data entry and database cleanup.
• Plan, coordinate and attend off-site marketing events and street teams to increase event ticket sales and foster awareness.
• Identify new opportunities for revenue growth, process improvements, and enhanced client satisfaction across all event types.
• Assist in developing partnerships with community organizations to broaden the Zoo’s reach and make rentals and event offerings diverse, accessible, equitable and inclusive.
• Create and send post-event reports and client follow-ups to assess event success, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for repeat business.
• Support the identification and growth of on-site event assets and rental opportunities to enhance client experiences and generate additional revenue.
• Responsible for maintaining and organizing department supplies, including linens and laundry, utensils and dishes, glassware, giveaways, prizes, etc.
• Responsible for compiling agenda for weekly department meetings and reviewing department web pages monthly.
• Assist with Ravens event days and sales on Ravens Walk.
• Provide administrative support to achieve department revenue goals.
• Use sound judgment and report incidents to management or security, as needed.
• Facilitate and…