Community Presence Coordinator Blank Park Zoo
3 Des Moines, IA Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Qualifications Customer communication Microsoft Excel Employee relationship building Research Driver's License Driving Productivity software Full Job Description Job Type Full-Time Department Development Experience 1+ years Posted June 17, 2026 The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines ,IA is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, educations, research, and recreation. Position Purpose The Community Presence Coordinator is responsible for elevating Blank Park Zoo's visibility and engagement within the community by identifying, planning and staffing external public events to promote the Zoo. Additionally, this role coordinate and executes logistical, scheduling and hosting duties for Behind the Scenes tours, and serves as the primary manager of the Safari Soiree auction component
- overseeing committee procurement efforts, soliciting donations, and managing the auction software system.
Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Community Events & Outreach:
Identifies high-impact community events where the Zoo should establish a presence; coordinates logistics, travels to and staffs events to actively engage the public and promote institutional initiatives. Behind the
Scenes Tours:
Manages the end-to-end logistics, scheduling and communication for Behind the Scenes tours; acts as the primary host to safely guide guests from area to area across the Zoo campus while collaborating with keepers who provide technical animal expertise.
Auction Item Procurement Management:
Leads the procurement process for the Safari Soiree auction component, directly solicits item donations, and effectively guides and coordinates the auction committee's procurement activities.
Auction Technology System:
Serves as the primary user and administrator for the auction software platform, responsible for full system setup, entering and tracking auction items, and executing the digital components of the auction itself.
Customer Service & Departmental Support:
Provides high-quality customer service during all public interactions; assists the broader development and membership teams with cross functional goals, database integrity, and promotional initiatives as needed.
Other duties as assigned:
relating to the overall success of the Development department. Competencies Resourceful
- Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as they relate to modern zoological management, operations of an attraction and customer service. Flexible
- Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful. Independent
- Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrates capacity for detail and follow-up. Positive
- Must be a positive, effective team member and public ambassador and be able to establish professional working relationships. Communicator
- Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbal and written, effective listening skills. Critical Thinker
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure, resolve logistical challenges on-site at events, or solve complex problems as they arise. Innovative
- Ability to propose creative solutions and identify new external opportunities to grow community presence, and auction revenue. Efficient
- Ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner. Customer-Oriented
- Always exercises professional customer service skills, interacts with many different types of people, crowds and public settings. Team Player
- Collaborates with area supervisor and team to achieve common organizational goals.
Supervisory/Management Responsibilities None directly, coordinates and directs the activities of event volunteers and auction committee members. Work Environment Regularly required to work both in a standard office desk setting and in dynamic outdoor/indoor public event spaces. This role requires traveling to offsite locations and moving across zoo grounds in varied weather conditions to facilitate tours and events. Physical Requirements The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions. Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like. Never Occasionally Constantly Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. Never Occasionally Constantly Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Never Occasionally Constantly Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. Never Occasionally Constantly Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions. Never Occasionally Constantly Communicating with others to exchange information. Never Occasionally Constantly Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Never Occasionally Constantly Operating machinery and/or power tools. Never Occasionally Constantly Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment. Never Occasionally Constantly Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned. Never Occasionally Constantly Driving. Never Occasionally Constantly Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
- Never Occasionally Constantly Reaching with hands and arms.
Never Occasionally Constantly Tasting or smelling. Never Occasionally Constantly Vision Close vision; Distant vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception; Ability to adjust focus Lifting Requirement. > than 50 pounds Up to 50 pounds Up to 40 pounds Up to 25 pounds Up to 10 pounds Required Education and Experience Demonstrated customer service, hospitality or public relations experience preferred. High level of comfort navigating and setting up digital platforms, experience with auction or event management databases/software highly preferred. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel required. Experience coordinating volunteers or committee work is a plus. Additional Eligibility Requirements Must be able to maintain a highly flexible work schedule, including frequent evenings, weekends and holiday hours to serve the outreach and event needs of the Blank Park Zoo. Must possess a valid driver's license and be capable of driving to transport event materials and merchandise to offsite locations. Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all public-facing situations, crowded events, and guest interactions. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Click or tap here to enter text. Affirmative Action/EEO statement Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and give employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.
