General Purpose

The Group Sales Coordinator will be responsible for selling, planning, and facilitating private group events onsite and offsite. The individual will use effective sales techniques to maximize revenue while creating memorable events that align with the Zoo's standards and vision. The coordinator will also play a key role in establishing the Zoo as one of the premier event destinations in the Central Valley and have a passion for delivering outstanding service to every guest. This is a temporary position lasting approximately one (1) year. 

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.

Essential Accountabilities

• Actively sells and promotes private event spaces and upgrades to maximize revenue, using effective sales techniques to meet or exceed sales targets.
• Works closely with the Zoo's internal catering team, as well as outside preferred caterers, to ensure an exceptional guest experience from initial inquiries to event execution.
• Promptly responds to group event inquiries, maintaining a professional and enthusiastic demeanor that encourages clients to choose the Zoo. Conducts tours and site visits as needed.
• Oversee all aspects of event planning, from initial client inquiry through event execution, including tear-down and clean up, ensuring seamless coordination and exceptional guest experiences.
• Assesses staffing needs for each event, including Event Set-Up, Custodial, Education, Animal Care, and all Zoo departments. Ensures timely communication so each department can plan and prepare accordingly.
• Work closely with the Zoo’s internal catering team to design and execute customized event menus and ensure top-quality service for each event.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing excellent customer service and timely communication to ensure satisfaction throughout the planning process.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to help promote the Zoo as a premier event destination in the Central Valley, assisting with promotional materials and sales campaigns.
• Ensure that budgets are adhered to and that all expenditures are approved in line with departmental guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized event space, ensuring it is always ready for client use and adheres to safety and operational standards.
• Ensure post-event follow-up with clients to gather feedback, address any concerns, and build long-term relationships for repeat business.
• Maintain accurate records of sales activities, event details, and client interactions, reporting on key performance indicators to management.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices in event sales and planning to continually enhance the Zoo’s event offerings and guest experience.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
• Provides support for all other Zoo events as needed, including event coordination and on-site assistance.
• Completes special projects and other tasks as assigned

Education and job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, marketing or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three years of event planning experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite is required.
• Highly organized and comfortable with planning across multiple teams and vendors.
• Self-starter, who can work independently and proactively to resolve issues.
• California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program.
• Excellent written and verbal English communications skills required. Bilingual communication skills a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.  

• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position functions primarily indoors, with occasional exposure to outdoor heat and cold. 
• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Occasional local travel may be required.

Salary : $23 - $27