Event Assistant

At Lincoln Children's Zoo, our mission is to enrich lives through interaction with living things. We provide a hands-on experience for more than 250,000 guests per year and care for over 400 creatures. We foster a love of the natural world through camps and programs, and help families make memories by producing special events and experiences throughout the year. As a team, we are serious about using our Core Values to guide our actions: 1. We are there for each other. 2. We generate enthusiasm. 3. We are humble. Position Summary The Events Coordinator supports the planning and execution of the Zoo's private rentals and public events, serving as a key operational partner to the Events & Rentals Manager. This position is responsible for coordinating event logistics, managing event preparation and execution, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences across a wide range of events and attendance levels. Working closely with the Events & Rentals Manager, the Events Coordinator helps facilitate events ranging from intimate gatherings of 10 guests to large-scale public events attracting more than 2,000 attendees. The role requires strong organizational skills, independent decision-making, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment. Essential Job Functions Event Planning & Coordination Support the planning and coordination of private rentals and public Zoo events from concept through completion. Collaborate with the Events & Rentals Manager to execute event logistics, timelines, staffing plans, and operational details. Coordinate event requirements and communicate effectively with Zoo department heads to ensure successful event execution. Assist with venue preparations, setup plans, event layouts, and operational readiness. Maintain event calendars, planning documents, and event records. Catering & Beverage Operations Coordinate catering and bar service logistics for private and public events. Work directly with catering partners, beverage vendors, and internal departments to ensure seamless food and beverage operations. Assist with menu planning, service timelines, staffing coordination, and event-specific catering needs. Ensure catering and bar operations align with event objectives, guest expectations, and operational requirements. Event Execution Serve as an on-site event coordinator for rentals and special events. Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown while maintaining a high standard of guest service. Coordinate vendors, contractors, volunteers, and staff during events. Address operational challenges and make timely decisions to ensure successful event outcomes. Monitor event flow and proactively identify opportunities to improve guest experiences. Administrative & Financial Support Assist with event contracts, invoices, event documentation, and client records as directed by the Events & Rentals Manager. Track event-related details, timelines, and deliverables to ensure deadlines are met. Support reporting, budgeting, and revenue tracking activities associated with the events program. Guest Experience & Operations Leadership Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) for the Guest Experience team during private rentals, special events, and assigned daily operations shifts. Provide leadership and support to front-line staff, volunteers, and event personnel to ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive guest experience. Qualifications Experience in event coordination, hospitality, venue operations, food and beverage management, tourism, recreation, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to coordinate events with multiple stakeholders and operational components. Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments. Experience coordinating catering, concessions, beverage service, or hospitality operations preferred. Ability to manage multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced environment. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules. Preferred Talents Experience coordinating events, partnerships, sponsorships, or hospitality programs involving corporate partners, donors, sponsors, community organizations, and other key stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and effectively with corporate partners, vendors, sponsors, community leaders, and executive-level stakeholders. Experience managing stakeholder expectations while balancing operational needs and organizational priorities. Familiarity with event sponsorship fulfillment, partner activations, and relationship management. Experience working in a nonprofit, cultural institution, attraction, tourism, hospitality, or event venue environment. Experience with event management software, CRM systems, invoicing platforms, and Microsoft Office applications. Required Certifications and Training (costs covered by the Zoo) First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Food Handler Certification Shift Manager Certification (as required by applicable regulations) Responsible Beverage Service/Bartending Certification Pool Testing Certification (if applicable to assigned operational responsibilities) Work Environment This position offers significant responsibility and autonomy in the coordination and execution of the Zoo's events and rentals program. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who thrives in a collaborative environment and can successfully manage the operational details of events ranging from small private gatherings to large public events attended by thousands of guests.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$44,000.00 per year

Experience:

Event planning: 1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person