Special Events Coordinator

Work Week: Typically, Monday-Friday with frequent weekends. Additional nights, weekends and overtime as needed. Flexibility required.

Department: Administration/Events

Supervisor: Director of Events

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well‑being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA‑accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top‑tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

The Special Event Coordinator coordinates the Nashville Zoo public event calendar to generate guest value and incremental revenue for the Zoo. The role plans and executes outreach events, enrichment activities, and the year‑round calendar of public events, working with partners across departments and external production teams to support the educational, fundraising, and attendance goals of the Zoo.

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
• Develop, coordinate, budget, and execute events as assigned by the Director of Events, including tasks such as:
• Booking and oversight of outreach events, enrichment activities, and public events as assigned; assistance with rentals, birthday parties, or internal events on request.
• Research and purchase approved event supplies within prescribed budget guidelines to generate budgeted event income.
• Handle financial billing, payment, and tracking needs per established budgets.
• Work with Volunteer Department to schedule and coordinate coverage for event programs.
• Work with Event Operations Coordinator to analyze and prepare logistical needs for events, including layouts and equipment needs.
• Work with Event Operations staff to set event activities and props/sets, including procurement of materials.
• Work with Sponsor ships staff to create appropriate sponsorship benefit opportunities within events and ensure sponsors receive contracted benefits and recognition.
• Execute event run‑of‑show as the primary Zoo contact for public events.
• Contract and direct various vendors needed to produce the public event calendar.
• Contribute to Marketing materials regarding relative event details.
• Conduct market comparison research on new products, vendors, and event concepts.
• Provide program information and assistance to the public regarding the Zoo’s events.
• Communicate professionally with public and private guests to creatively problem‑solve any guest issues.
• Maintain internal Zoo communication methods regarding event information.
• Other duties as assigned and needed to attain cohesive team objectives.

• Able to work independently to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to self‑direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and creative skills; results‑oriented and detail‑oriented.
• Must be flexible and adaptable, able to perform physically demanding work in a variety of conditions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with clients, guests, and other Zoo staff.
• Must represent the Zoo in a positive manner at all times.
• Able to take full initiative in starting and completing tasks.
• Proficient in spreadsheet and document applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) including basic budgeting and accounting procedures.
• Accurate and efficient, with strong time‑management skills.
• Able and willing to work a non‑standard workweek, including nights and weekends and a flexible schedule with overtime as…