Event Operations Manager

Event Operations Manager

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park.

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You'll Do

Reporting to the Director of Event Operations, the Event Operations Manager will be responsible for the planning and execution of all Audubon internal events. Such events include but are not limited to Celebracíon Latina, Scales and Ales, Flutters and Fins, Boo at the Zoo, Zoo to Do, and Zoobilation. Additionally, the EOM will partner with external clients for events and festivals held in Woldenberg Riverfront Park. This position acts as a liaison between event clients and vendors and internal Audubon departments and partners for events on all Audubon properties.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between event clients, vendors, and internal Audubon departments ensuring customer satisfaction through attention to detail, excellent service skills, and the ability to lead and take initiative.

• Responsible for maintaining awareness of current trends and generating ideas for new festivals, inclusion events, community relations events, and building clientele year-over-year.

• Participate in planning of all internal Audubon events with departmental teams such as Development, Learning and Engagement, Membership, and Marketing.

• In regards to internal and external clients: Respond to inquiries, schedule meetings and site visits, prepare estimates, discuss layouts, collect event insurance and permits, build contracts and collect deposits, act as a liaison with vendors, execute event, invoice, request feedback.

• Coordinate with external security teams to ensure safety procedures are being followed and communicate Audubon's security plans with clients.

• Coordinate event needs with Electrical, Facility Services, and Guest Services, etc. as needed.

• Follow-up on sales leads to answer questions, collect general info, review with team, and update calendars.

• Oversee event logistics, execution, and conclusion while continuously troubleshooting and addressing issues during event.

• Create and distribute departmental event documents to all Audubon staff.

• Continuously cultivate revenue opportunities and cost savings initiatives with rental and equipment services.

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon's mission.

• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

What We're Looking For

Must Haves: (required for the role)

• Ability to work independently and autonomously

• Ability to work day, night, weekends, and holidays

• High School Diploma

• Valid Driver's License

• At least 2 years of supervisory experience

• Ability to handle people and situations in a tactful and discrete manner

Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)

• Previous event production and operations experience

• Experience working with Microsoft Office

• Ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information

• Affinity for animals

• Ability to prioritize, organize, and synchronize multiple tasks and work under and handle high stress in an appropriate manner

Physical Requirements

• Working on your feet for long hours

• Sitting for long hours

• Push/pull/lift/carry up to 50 lbs

• Climb a ladder

• Drive a gold cart or company vehicles

• Clarity of vision at 20" or less

• Ability to express and exchange ideas by means of expected language

• Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds

• May be exposed to high noise intensity

• Exposure to outdoor conditions

• Exposure to fluctuations in temperature