Community Engagement Assistant: Events

Position: Community Engagement Assistant: Events

Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt

Department: Philanthropy

Reports to: Community Engagement Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.

Working under the supervision of the Community Engagement Manager, the Community Engagement Assistant assists in the planning for Brevard Zoo events such as Safari Under the Stars, Jazzoo, and Boo at the Zoo, and Jag Events. The Community Engagement Assistant will work directly with the Community Engagement Officer and the rest of the Philanthropy team to support all Philanthropic events and coordinate with partners from the Philanthropy Department other departments, as needed to plan and administer said events.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED:

· 3 years of experience working on fundraising or hospitality events; or equivalent experience.

· Strong proficiency and experience in the full suite of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel,

· Power Point, Outlook).

· Ability to interface effectively with ECZF donors, board members, and senior leadership.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence, with an ability to develop and maintain long-term, productive relationships internally and externally.

· Passion for ECZF’s mission and demonstrated experience in the conservation or zoological field preferred.

· Ability to deliver results, facilitate and influence others, and problem-solve beyond temporary solutions.

· Ability to work evenings and weekends.

PREFERRED/DESIRED:

· Experience in fundraising and donor relations preferred.

· Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT or equivalent platform preferred.

· Experience in zoo and/or conservation fundraising is highly desired, but not required.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Assist with the coordination of Philanthropic Events, including planning, executing, and post-event analysis.

· Work with cross-department teams (as necessary) to execute event plans including but not limited to physical execution of all stages, status check-ins and reports, representing Philanthropy team in event meetings and coordinating with supporting volunteers and staff.

· Collaborate with the ops team to ensure seamless integration of donor data, event details, attendance tracking, and engagement data between events and database (Raiser’s Edge).

· Assist with logistics for all events including layouts, permitting, show flows, seating charts, audio/visual needs, collateral item support.

• Assist Community Engagement Officer to oversee event timelines, budgets, and checklists, including accurate tracking and reporting of event-related donations and expenses.
• Coordinate with vendors, volunteers, and staff to ensure successful execution of philanthropic events.
• Assist with the coordination of on-site and off-site special events for Our Legacy Campaign, including securing vendors, set up, guest check-in and departure team.
• Coordinate donor stewardship, cultivation visits and behind the scenes experiences for auction winners, Jaguar Society members, and more.
• Assist Community Engagement Officer with event design and logistics including lighting, tablescapes, layout, linens, restaurant/vendor choices, menu options, staffing strategy, seating charts, and A/V needs etc.
• Ensure save the dates, mailings, invitations, run of shows, tickets, programs, rehearsal schedules, promotional content, menus, table numbers, signs, and presentations are on-time and on-budget.
• Assist with writing and implementing SOPs and training opportunities for staff and volunteers assisting with events.
• Assist with creation and dissemination of event sponsor packets and other materials.
• Support volunteer awareness team efforts by assisting the Community Engagement Officer to:
• Schedule presence at community events
• Coordinate logistics with volunteer department and other internal staff
• Monitor and maintain stock of awareness team merchandise, equipment, and supplies

· Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Ability to multi-task and manage the completion of multiple projects, often with shifting priorities.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence, with an ability to develop and maintain long-term, productive relationships internally and externally.

· Strong organizational and project management skills

· Ability to manage multiple assignments and quickly changing priorities

· Ability to maintain a positive attitude with guests and team, even in the face of adversity.

· Must be able to think logically and solve problems diplomatically with minimal guidance.

· A motivated, unflappable team player with exceptional communication skills.

· Outstanding oral, written, communication and presentation skills, including the ability to listen and target communication to specific interests of varied audiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(L) Light work

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects. If the use of arm/leg controls require exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as light work.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:

Indoor office environment most often with frequent movement outdoors. Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. Requires Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, and Visual Acuity frequently.

WORK SCHEDULE:

May be required to work weekends and nights as necessary.

TRAVEL:

May be required to travel for donor visits, typically no more than two (2) hours away from the ECZF office.

The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel.

Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with local laws and regulations?
• Are you willing to undergo pre-employment drug testing in accordance with local laws and regulations?
• Are you able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings?
• Do you have strong proficiency in the full suite of Microsoft Office programs?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• fundraising or hospitality events: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Melbourne, FL 32940: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $18