What are the responsibilities and job description for the External Relations Assistant (Full-Time) position at ZooTampa at Lowry Park?
Looking for a Place Where Your Admin Experience Truly Matters?
ZooTampa is more than a zoo—it’s a place where conservation, community, and care come together. We’re looking for a detail-oriented, people-focused administrative professional to support our External Relations team in driving sponsor relationships, coordinating events, and keeping department operations organized and on track.
In this role, you’ll manage systems and reports, assist with department budgets, help prepare for VIP visits and sponsor activations, and work across teams to support client experiences that align with our mission. You’ll also play a role in planning behind-the-scenes tours and coordinating meetings that bring our partnerships to life.
This might be the right opportunity if:
You’ve worked in attractions, entertainment, zoos, or aquariums—and want a role where you can stay and grow.
You enjoy juggling multiple projects, managing details, and being the person others count on to keep things running smoothly.
You’re looking for a meaningful, long-term role where your experience is valued and your work supports something bigger.
Position Summary
This position supports the External Relations Department with responsibility for departmental services and administrative duties to achieve organizational goals and business outcomes. This role will excel in fostering and maintaining exceptional client relationships, both in-park and externally, while supporting sales efforts and managing administrative functions.
Functional Priorities (Including, but not limited to):
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day:
- Provide support to the Sr. Director, Sales and Partnerships – 60%
- Provide support to the Sr. V.P. Government/Chief External Relations Officer – 20%
- Various administrative support of External Relations department – 20%
Administration:
- Manage departmental software resources (e.g., SponsorCX) to streamline communication, reporting, and contract execution.
- Oversee fulfillment of strategic client/sponsor relationships, ensuring benefit deliverables are executed.
- Assist with letters, personal notes, and other correspondence.
- Manage departmental inventory (e.g., Zoo collateral and promotional items).
- Provide administrative support for the departmental budget process, including preparing expense reports, processing purchase orders, and assisting with account reconciliation under the direction of department leadership.
- Maintain organization of multiple projects, ensuring deadlines and strategic objectives are met.
- Perform other general administrative duties as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Client and Sales Support
- Foster and maintain exceptional client relationships to enhance partnership outcomes.
- Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless client experiences through strategic collaboration and communication.
- Assist the Sales Team with hosting clients, partners, and prospects on property, ensuring VIP treatment and personalized experiences.
- Facilitate client/prospect meetings and site visits to drive partnership success.
- Proactively monitor client and partner satisfaction and communicate identified concerns or opportunities—along with potential solutions—to department leadership for review and action.
- Coordinate VIP tours and, on occasion, conduct behind-the-scenes tours.
- Provide coverage and support for Zoo partnership offerings.
- Plan and execute sponsor activation events, in coordination with the consumer events team.
- Coordinate government affairs events, annual planning meetings, and VIP meetings.
- Represent the Sales Team in Zoo-wide meetings to align communications and strategies.
What are we looking for?
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; must have at least two years of relevant administrative experience.
- Experience in development, sales, or marketing preferred (Zoo/Aquarium or Theme Park experience a plus).
- Proficient in MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- CRM experience is strongly preferred.
- Budget management experience, including account tracking, purchase orders, and reconciliation of expenses.
- Proven ability to support multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to contribute within a collaborative culture and maintain a positive attitude, even in difficult situations.
- Must be self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal guidance.
- Ability to maintain discretion with confidential information.
- Must exhibit a professional demeanor at all times.
Other Requirements
- Conduct all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and animal welfare policies.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
- Ability to sit, bend, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Proficiency in using radio, phone, and computer for daily communications.
- Availability for extended shifts during peak times and special events.
- Ability to plan, work, and staff special events, exhibits, and unexpected shifts.
- Ability to navigate uneven terrain and various elevations safely.
Our Perks at ZooTampa:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match up to 4%
- Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation and Wellness time)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Forgiveness
- Free gym membership
- Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
- Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
- And so much more!
Apply today to bring your skills to a team that supports conservation, elevates guest experiences, and works alongside some of the most incredible animals (and people) in Tampa Bay.
Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
