Event Manager (Contract)

About the role

The Zoological Society of New Jersey is looking for an experienced Event Manager to own our two premier fundraising events from initial planning through execution and post-event wrap-up.

Brew at the Zoo is a long-running, high-energy craft beer festival that draws 2,000–3,000 guests to the zoo each year. Casino Night is an upscale, intimate evening for up to 300 guests, designed to raise funds and build lasting relationships with current and prospective donors.

You'll be the day-to-day driver of both events: managing vendors, timelines and logistics, partnering with our internal team on goals and workload, and running the show on event day. This is a role for someone who loves the details and can deliver two very different guest experiences with the same polish.

Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to)

Brew at the Zoo

• Recruit, confirm and manage participating breweries, including outreach, agreements, load-in details and day-of communication

• Source and book entertainment (bands, DJs, activations) within budget

• Build and manage the event timeline, site plan, vendor list and run-of-show

• Partner with zoo operations, security, food service and volunteers on logistics for 2,000–3,000 guests

• Support marketing and promotion: provide brewery and talent content, coordinate with the marketing team on campaigns, social and partner cross-promotion

• Lead on-site coordination on event day, from setup through breakdown

Casino Night

• Plan and produce a high-end fundraising evening for up to 300 guests at an off-site venue

• Manage venue, catering, casino gaming vendor, décor, entertainment and rentals

• Work with development staff to support fundraising goals: sponsorships, auction or raffle items, and donor-focused moments in the program

• Coordinate guest list, invitations and RSVPs with the development and marketing teams

• Create a polished guest experience that supports donor cultivation and relationship-building

• Lead on-site coordination on event night

Across both events

• Work with the Director of Marketing & Events and internal teams to set goals, budgets and a clear split of responsibilities

• Own planning timelines, vendor contracts, budget tracking and regular status updates

• Brief and manage volunteers and staff on their event-day roles

• Secure sponsors for each event

• Handle post-event work: vendor payments and reconciliation, thank-yous, attendee and partner feedback, and a wrap-up report with results and recommendations

Additional responsibilities

· May be tasked with assisting on smaller events should a need arise

Qualifications Required

• 5+ years of event planning and production experience, including at least one event of 1,000+ attendees

• Track record managing vendors, contracts, budgets and timelines for multiple events at once

• Strong on-site leadership: calm, decisive problem-solving on event day

• Clear, professional communication with vendors, partners, staff, volunteers and donors

• Availability for evening and weekend work around event dates

• Ability to work outside in seasonal weather conditions

Preferred

• Experience with nonprofit fundraising events, galas or donor cultivation

• Relationships with New Jersey / NY-metro craft breweries, entertainers or event vendors

• Familiarity with alcohol-service event requirements

• Experience supporting event marketing (social media, email, partner promotion)

Compensation and how to apply

Target compensation for this role is $40,000–$50,000, based on experience, and covers the full planning, execution and post-event cycle for both events. Workload is seasonal and peaks in the weeks around each event, with Casino Night happening in April/May and Brew at the Zoo in June.

To apply, send a resume and a short cover letter describing two events you've managed (attendance, budget and your role) to View email address on click.appcast.io. Links to event photos, run-of-show documents or references are welcome.