Manager of Event Productions (Full-Time

Position:Manager of Event Productions (Full-Time)

Location: Tampa, FL

Job :2618

# of Openings:1

Zoo Tampa is seeking a dynamic Manager of Event Productions to lead our team and execute unforgettable events that inspire, entertain, and delight.

• Lead impactful events that connect guests with wildlife and conservation
• Work in a vibrant, fast-paced environment with a collaborative and supportive team
• Be part of one of Tampa Bay’s most beloved attractions

This role is involved in planning, implementation, and management of all consumer events s roleis responsible for internal meetings, member events, outreach activities,mascot management,scheduling, and other consumer-direct functions. Provides on-site weekend coverage for the Events teamas needed and must be available for management responsibilities during all seasonal onsite events.

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually
. We have grown to 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats, lush tropical gardens, and engaging activities. As an AZA-accredited zoo
, we offer award-winning educational programs, up-close animal encounters, and fun seasonal events.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day.

Essential Functions (Including, but not limited to):

• Acts as primary contact, project manager, and facilitator of all consumer events as assigned by the Director of Event Productions.
• Part of the team that plans, implements, and manages all consumer events, including but not limited to Creatures of the Night, Christmas in the Wild, fundraising events, and other events assigned.
• Capable of working in labor-intensive conditions and dynamic outdoor environments with a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and special events.
• Manages the installation and strike of all consumer events.
• Collaborate with Zoo staff to develop timelines and operating guidelines for consumer events.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of all consumer events to preserve institutional knowledge, safeguard progress, and support continuous improvement.
• Develops and manages event budgets by tracking and monitoring expenditures to ensure budget accuracy.
• Maintains professional and collaborative relationships with both internal teams and external vendors.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication with guests, staff, and Zoo leadership to support seamless event execution.
• Assists with Zoo-wide audio/visual needs by troubleshooting technical issues when possible and promptly communicating any concerns to the AV Coordinator.
• Responsible for mentoring, training, and supervising seasonal Event Production Hosts, Host Leads, and Costume Characters (Mascots), ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional customer service.
• Schedules and participates in weekly meetings to support Zoo-wide communication and coordination across departments for all consumer events.
• Manages a wide range of complex and confidential situations, resolving conflicts related to Zoo events with professionalism and discretion.
• Ensure adequate inventory of event supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A.A. or Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, event management, communication, business, or related field required or 3 years of applicable job experience.
• Basic A/V knowledge is preferred.
• Experience in hospitality, attractions, and/or theater is preferred.
• Ability to influence and lead other departments through event planning process.
• Exhibits project management skills, including designing, implementing, and tracking events and programs.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, responding to sensitive inquiries or complaints with professionalism and tact.
• Demonstrates a high level of discretion when handling confidential information related to Zoo Tampa events and development efforts.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a hands-on team.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, outdoor environments with varying schedules, including nights, weekends, and all consumer events.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with guests and employees.
• Able to work in labor-intensive conditions and dynamic outdoor environments with flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and special events such as Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild.

• Must be deadline oriented.
• Capable of influencing and leading cross-departmental teams throughout the event planning and production process.
• Strong problem-solving…