Assistant Sales & Hospitality Manager

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Assistant Sales and Hospitality Manager advances DZCA's mission by supporting the financial success and growth of DZCA’s private rentals program by driving event sales, developing new business opportunities, and delivering an exceptional client experience. This role will actively prospect and sell private events, including employee and client appreciation events, after-hours rentals, social celebrations and other group experiences. The Assistant Sales and Hospitality Manager will use sales data, market trends, and client insights to identify opportunities, strengthen sales strategies, develop compelling rental offerings, and continuously improve the sales process and overall client experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sales and Business Development

• Actively prospect, develop, and covert new business for DZCA private rentals and event experiences.
• Identify and pursue opportunities within key markets, including employee appreciation, client entertainment, corporate gatherings, meetings and events and social events.
• Manage event inquiries through the sales process, from initial contact and site visits through contracting, event logistics and follow up.
• Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and personalized service.
• Support achievement of annual private event revenue and sales goals.

Sales Strategy, Market Development & Analysis

• Analyze sales performance, booking patterns, client demographics, event types, seasonality and other trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop targeted sales plans and strategies for priority customer segments and emerging markets.
• Identify underdeveloped markets, periods of available capacity, and opportunities to increase utilization of DZCA rental space.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate sales and pricing strategies for private events, exercising independent judgment regarding market opportunities, customer segmentation, revenue optimization, and program growth
• Independently analyzes business trends and recommends operational and revenue strategies that influence departmental goals and financial outcomes

Client Experience and Sales Process Improvement

• Deliver a responsive, professional, and hospitality-focused experience throughout the client sales journey.
• Evaluate and improve sales processes to make booking an event at DZCA simple, efficient and consistent.
• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and clients to align expectations and event logistics.
• Gather client feedback and sales insights to continuously improve rental offerings, service standards, and the overall private event experience.

Guest Experience and Institutional Alignment

• Provide outstanding guest service and create memorable experiences for all event attendees.
• Act as an ambassador of DZCA’s core values, ensuring inclusivity and excellence in all interactions.
• Uphold sustainability policies and contribute to DZCA’s mission through environmentally responsible event planning.
• Stay informed on industry trends to continuously improve event offerings and guest engagement.
• Interface with the catering team to lead joint meetings, assist in the creation of policies, and ensure efficiency.

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Other assistance, as designated by the Sales and Hospitality Manager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• While this position does not include formal supervisory responsibilities, this position will supervise on-site staff during events and seasonal staff when they are supporting office operations.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable work experience in event hospitality or business
• Experience in sales, event, or hospitality management with a preference for experience working in a high-volume customer-focused venue or attraction, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of sales processes, prospecting techniques, and event planning principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/event management software.
• Ability to think critically and innovatively while working with diverse teams to achieve objectives.
• Familiarity with best practices in public speaking, effective written and verbal communication, and professional correspondence.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, adapt to change, think creatively, and collaborate effectively.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high-volume environment while managing multiple priorities.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen
• Schedule Availability: Must be available to work varying shifts/hours based on business demands, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Days off each week may not be consistent or consecutive.
• Work Location: Primarily in-person, on-campus

Compensation

Range for this position is $57,784 to $70,331 (annually)

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. If you're passionate about contributing to a dynamic, mission-driven organization, we want to hear from you!

Application Process and Timelines

Application Deadline: September 8, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.