Events & Guest Services Manager
20 days ago
Santa Barbara
Job Description:\n\nAre you a detail-oriented leader with a talent for creating seamless guest experiences and unforgettable events? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring an Events & Guest Services Manager to coordinate operations, lead a dynamic team, and help deliver mission-focused guest service that inspires and engages visitors. Join us and make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, collaborative environment dedicated to conservation and education!Position Status:Full-Time, Regular, Non-Exempt, HourlySchedule:Tuesday - SaturdayCompensation: $34.30 - $37.50 per hour SUMMARY:The Events & Guest Services Manager is responsible for working under the direction of, and in collaboration with the Director of Events & Guest Services, colleagues, partners, vendors, and other stakeholders to plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate mission-focused, high quality, cost effective, and revenue-generating events and guest experiences that attract and engage guests and contribute to the overall success of the Santa Barbara Zoo and its mission.ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Daily Operations:Reports directly to Director of Events & Guest ServicesEnsures Guest Services and Events staff are equipped to provide a high-quality guest experience at all timesManages time cards review and preparation for payroll weekly, with associated conversations and paperwork for Events, Guest Services, Show Cast, Train, and Transportation departments in a timely manner; Reviews weekly with Director of Events & Guests ServicesManages the hiring, onboarding, basic discipline, and coaching of staff for Events, Guest Services, Show Cast, Train, and Transportation departmentsManages the coordination, facilitation and participation in group interviews, individual interviews, and all related schedules for the Events, Guest Services, Show Cast, Train, and Transportation departments effectivelyAssist Director of Events & Guest Services to develop and manage budgets for assigned departments, monitoring expenses and revenue. Track and report guest experience metrics, including attendance, satisfaction, and revenue. Implement long-term strategies to enhance the Zoos guest experience.Assists in ensuring consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs, and more efficient proceduresCollaborate with other departments including Advancement, Animal Care, Facilities, Food & Beverage Education, Marketing, Membership, and Security on daily operations and event planning.Places department orders, tracks shipping, and submits and manages expense reportsOversees cash handling procedures and POS transactions in Guest ServicesEnsures that team actions and programs align with the zoos Mission and core valuesEnsures processes to maintain a positive, collaborative, enthusiastic cultureEvents:Manages the Event Coordinator, Event Lead(s), & Event Hosts positionsManages the event spaces based on the Event calendar to ensure all event spaces are pre-set or planned to be set within 24 hours of all events/meetingsManages the reception, communications, booking and reservations for Admissions and Attractions, as well as Event planning such as animal encounters, birthday parties, and special/private events as needed for each eventAssists in de-escalation and resolution of guest incidents and concerns in a professional and timely mannerAssists in the planning of events logistics, as needed including coordinating/scheduling additional Events & Guest Services staff as needed for each eventAssists in managing & tracking all event & Guest Services expenses such as rentals, labor costs, and other expenses for all eventsManages and develop event recap notes for all events and leads event debrief meetings as applicableManages seasonal dcor plan for all areas of the Zoo in collaboration with other departmentsGuest Services:Manages the Show Cast, Train Conductors, Train Conductor Lead(s), Transportation Shuttle Driver(s), Guest Services Supervisor(s), Guest Services Leads, & Guest Services Ambassadors positionsAssists the Director of Events & Guest Services in managing Guest Services staff in all capacities, including Point of Sale operations, Ticketing operations, scheduling, guest experience training, de-escalation, and daily standard operations of the Events, Guest Services, Show Cast, Train, and Transportation departmentsManages updates, implementation, and monitoring of effectiveness of training collateral and scriptingEnsure that front-line operations, admissions, and attractions operate safely and efficiently. Uphold the Zoos standards for safety, accessibility, and guest satisfactionOversees the logistics and tracking of the Museums for All and Zoo4U Scholarship ProgramManage the processing requests for school groups and donation requestsAssists with the management of daily experiences for guests of all agesEnsures that daily data is entered in system and assists with analyzing available informationManages the processing of request from school groupsShow Cast:Manages the Show Supervisor, Show Leads, & Show Staff positionsAssists the Director of Events & Guest Services in managing the Show staff in all capacities, including scripted stage shows, immersive spaces, guest experience training, de-escalation and daily standard operations of the Guest Services departmentsManages updates, implementation, and monitoring of effectiveness of training collateral and scriptingEnsures that daily data is entered in the system and assists with analyzing available informationAssists with the management of daily experiences for guests of all agesTrains:Manages the Train Supervisor, Train Leads, & Train Drivers positionsAssists the Director of Events & Guest Services in managing the Train staff in all capacities, including safety, training, scripting, guest experience training, de-escalation and daily standard operations of the Guest Services departmentsManages updates, implementation, and monitoring of effectiveness of training collateral and scriptingAssists with the management of daily experiences for guests of all agesEnsures that daily documentation and data is properly completed and assists with analyzing available informationEnsure compliance with all Zoo, state, and federal safety standards and protocolsManages the scheduling and communication, booking, and reservations for all aspects of the Train TeamTransportation:Manages the Shuttle Drivers positionsAssists the Director of Events & Guest Services in managing the Transportation staff in all capacities, including safety, training, scripting, guest experience training, de-escalation and daily standard operations of the Guest Services departmentsManages updates, implementation, and monitoring of effectiveness of training collateral and scriptingAssists with the management of daily experiences for guests of all agesEnsures that daily documentation and data is properly completed and assists with analyzing available informationEnsure compliance with all Zoo, state, and federal safety standards and protocolsManages the scheduling and communication, booking, and reservations for all aspects of the Transportation TeamStaff Development:Provide training, mentorship, and leadership to guest experience team members by assisting staff in developing necessary skills to provide our guests with a quality personal experience that connects guests with animals, (aka Hedgehog)Develops initial disciplinary documentation for review with Director of Events & Guest Services, and schedules disciplinary meetings as directed, in collaboration with Director of Human Resources as appropriateOversees onboarding coordination, session implementation and development; ensures implementation of programs, trainings, meetings, and all other staff development take place in a timely manner, with the intent of achieving the Santa Barbara Zoos mission statement and the Hedgehog conceptAssists with managing the staff scheduling in a manner that prioritizes operational needs with Director of Events & Guest Services approvalEncourages, supports and exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the continued development of the institution and the professionOrganization:Ensure cross-department collaboration to deliver a seamless guest experienceAdheres to the Zoos policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy ManualAttends all bi-monthly all-employee meetingsAttends all professional development classes assigned by the Director of Events & Guest ServicesProfessionally and positively represents the Zoo as a Zoo Brand AmbassadorGuest Relations:Greets every guest with a smileThanks guests for supporting/visiting the ZooHandles guest service recovery, inquiries, and accident reports according to Zoo guest relations proceduresEnsures the Zoos presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met, by keeping the Zoo clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsightly or unsafe conditionsEnsures staff provide guests with the best zoo experience possibleSECONDARY DUTIES:Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly and professionallyAdheres to and enforces all Zoo entrance policies, at all timesAdheres to all cash handling procedures as outlined in cash handling policiesAdheres to the Zoos policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy ManualReflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee PledgeAssociates with guests to assist and share informationMaintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoos uniform dress codeTakes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading emails, employee communications and attending meetingsCoordinates and executes guest-related activities such as tabling events, surveys, and promotionsAssists with new employee orientations and onboarding, providing positions specific trainingResponds to all guest inquiries, comments, and concerns in a timely manner, in accordance with the Guest Relations ProceduresResponds to minor guest related accidents and report in accordance with the Guest Relations Procedures. Major accidents to be handled by the manager on duty or SecurityResponds to and aids in the recovery of lost children as outlined in the Lost Child ProtocolsAssists in promoting the sale of memberships and processes the paperworkAssociates with guests to share information, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal oneImplements procedures to optimize parking capacityOffers additional services such as escorting guests to their destination of inquiryThanks the guests for their visit and continued support of the ZooOther Event & Guest Services duties as assigned by managementPOSITION CRITERIA:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Education & Experience:Bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, guest services, marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience) preferredMinimum five years of paid experience in events and guest services including a minimum of four years in managing and leading teamsProven experience in event planning and execution and guest services management, preferably in a zoo, entertainment, or hospitality industryStrong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and successfullyBudgeting and financial management experience. Experience negotiating contracts, invoices, and managing budgets successfullyProficient in use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and use of various electronic platformsBusiness Administration Experience a plusLicense, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:Reliable transportation to and from workSuccessful completion of a Department of Justice LiveScan background checkFirst Aid/CPR certified pre-trained or onsite trainingTime Commitment:Position will require onsite, weekends, as well as some evenings and holidaysSchedule flexibility required based on business/seasonal needsKnowledge, Skills, & Abilities:Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders prior, during, and after events and guest experiencesAbility to ascertain staff training needs and provide access to applicable trainingsAbility to manage own time and the time of others in an efficient and effective mannerAbility to develop and maintain professional, productive, and respectful relationships with colleagues, vendors, volunteers, and other stakeholdersAbility to successfully manage and lead a team in the context of Events and Guest Services, delegating to a team properly and making sure everyone has what they need to perform their job successfullyMust have a degree of skill in logistics and project management, to properly plan the details and anticipate potential problems that may ariseCreative mindset with the ability to develop engaging event concepts and experiencesAbility to accurately plan and coordinate all operations involved in events successfullyAbility to perform several job duties at once and multi-task successfullyExcellent organizational and administrative skillsStrong business analytics experienceType 65 wpmAbility to follow verbal and written directionsAbility to remain professional and level headed in challenging and/or high intensity situationsAbility to remain firm and positive when working to de-escalate negative guest or vendor behaviorTeam oriented and skilled at collaborating. Ability to energize, motivate and support staff with open communication, trust, respect and a collaborative approach at all timesAbility to learn and adapt quickly in a constantly changing environmentAbility to work with strong attention to detailEnjoy working with and serving diverse populationsAbility to think quickly, be adaptable and flexible, and apply good judgement and problem resolution under pressure. Ability to make adjustments as neededOutgoing and friendly personalitySelf-motivated and able to work without direct supervisionStrong cash handling skillsAvailable to work weekends, holidays and some eveningsReliable and punctual attendance habitsExcellent conflict management and resolution abilityAbility to exercise safe work habitsPhysical Demands & Work Environment:Requires the ability to access all areas of the facilityMust be able to participate in operational practices: includes ability to lift and move 30 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, climb stairs or ladders, and manipulate basic tools of the job, stand/walk for four contin