Job Description

Full-time | Non-exempt | Starting pay: $19.27–$22.16 per hour

Help create the moments people come to the Zoo to celebrate. The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking a Special Events Coordinator to plan and execute private events, birthday parties, and public Zoo events. This role brings together client service, creative planning, detailed logistics, and on-site coordination.

We’re especially interested in someone who has helped bring private events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and celebrations from planning through execution. You’ll also support signature Zoo events and develop new experiences that connect guests with our mission while generating revenue for the Zoo.

What you’ll do

• Coordinate the details of private event rentals, Zoo buyouts, and birthday parties, including admission, parking, audio/visual needs, vendor access, guest arrival and departure, animal experiences, and other services.
• Work with the business development team to turn booked events into clear, workable plans.
• Communicate timelines, setup needs, event details, and departmental responsibilities to Zoo teams and external vendors.
• Develop run-of-show information and attend assigned events to help resolve needs as they arise.
• Coordinate event production needs such as entertainment, lighting, sound, rentals, temporary staffing, signage, and activities.
• Help set up internal and external events, including tables, chairs, linens, signage, and stanchions.
• Support public Zoo events from concept through execution, including layouts, staffing, pricing, ticketing strategies, guest experience, and marketing coordination.
• Track event logistics, expenses, revenue, ticket sales, and other information needed to evaluate event performance.
• Represent the Zoo at assigned shows and networking events.

What you’ll bring

• Two years of experience in event execution or hospitality, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that prepares you to perform the work.
• Strong organization and follow-through, including the ability to manage multiple events and deadlines at once.
• Clear, professional communication with clients, guests, vendors, and coworkers by phone, email, and in person.
• Sound judgment and the ability to solve problems when plans or on-site conditions change.
• Customer service skills and an interest in creating thoughtful guest experiences.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with CRM tools, budgets, or event revenue and expense tracking is valuable.
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but related event management experience is also welcome.
• A valid Oklahoma driver’s license within 30 days of hire and an acceptable driving history to operate Zoo vehicles.

Experience planning and executing private events such as weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, or venue rentals is especially relevant to this opening.

Schedule and work environment

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because events take place outside those hours, this position will frequently require evening and weekend work based on the event schedule with time flexed throughout the week. Work takes place throughout the Zoo, both indoors and outdoors, including in heat, cold, rain, and other weather conditions.

The position involves periods of walking, sitting, and standing, including standing for up to four hours; bending, stooping, and kneeling; and pushing, lifting, or carrying up to 30 pounds independently or up to 50 pounds with assistance. The position is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions.

Why join the Zoo?

You’ll help people celebrate at a distinctive Oklahoma City destination while supporting the Zoo’s work for wildlife and wild places. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off and sick leave, tuition assistance, employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance, and a ZOOfriends membership, subject to plan terms and eligibility.

About Us

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments–delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people. Visit Oklahoma City--A Great Place to Live and Work! to learn more about our city.