Director of Event Operations
1 day ago
New Orleans
Job Description Position Title: Director of Event Operations Department: Special Events Reports To: VP of Event Operations Location: Central FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full Time Who We Are 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 VP of Event Operations, the Director of Event Operations is responsible for management, planning and execution of all internal Audubon Events and execution and coordination of external events and festivals in Woldenberg Riverfront Park. The Director of Event Operations will work in tandem with all Audubon departmental leadership to plan and produce internal events including but not limited to Zoo To Do, Zoobilation, Flutters and Fins, Celebración Latina, Scales and Ales, and Boo at the Zoo. They will also act as a liaison between external clients and Audubon to produce large scale festivals and events in Woldenberg Riverfront Park such as French Quarter Fest and Lundi Gras, always acting in the best interest of Audubon and our mission. Day to Day Responsibilities • Aggressively seek and maintain working relationships with promotional contacts, festival executives, event representatives, industry influencers, and key community partners for maximum park usage and exposure., • Actively listen to internal and external clients’ needs, always maintaining the importance of their event, no matter how large or small., • Ensure that events are compliant with all rules and regulations per Audubon, City of New Orleans, US Coast Guard and Port of NO regulations, • Oversee events from conception to conclusion. This includes creating event profiles, estimates and contracts, conducting site visits, ensuring permits, insurance, and needed documents are submitted, creating timelines and expense sheets, hiring vendors, communicating needs and info to Audubon staff, executing the event, conducting post event summaries, and ensuring all vendors and Audubon are paid in a timely manner., • Collaborate with team to create new festivals and events to enhance revenue opportunities., • Oversee direct reports (Event Managers) and ensure they are successful in their positions by conducting regular check-ins to discuss goals and performance and follow payroll procedures., • Keep track of and report monthly on all expenses incurred with P-card., • Communicate with potential customers who reach out via email and phone regarding events., • Maintain a working relationship with Audubon staff that assist with festivals/events, ie: Electrical, Facilities Services, Carpentry, Guest Services, Security, etc., • Maintain a working relations ship with Department Heads that rely on the Events Team to successfully implement their event, ie: Membership, Development, L&E, etc. Additional/Overall Skills: • 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., • The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned. What We’re Looking For Must Haves: • High school diploma or equivalent required, • College degree and/or 5 years plus of Projects/Events Management experience, • Ability to critically think at any moment and handle stressful situations well, • Strong leadership and communication skills, • Valid driver's license, • Ability to perform or work in the conditions of all physical requirements listed below Nice-to-Haves: • Affinity for animals preferred, • Safety and Risk Management experience, • Recruitment and hiring experience Physical Requirements: • Very heavy work: exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. May involve sitting but will involve walking or standing most of the time., • Standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 50 pounds., • Working long hours between breaks or meals., • Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required., • Usual site with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less., • Ability to work in any type of outdoor condition for long periods of time., • Usual speech and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected., • Usual hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds. May be exposed to high noise., • Usual ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately.