Event Manager (Contract)

Posted today

zoological society of new jerseyNew York (NY)

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Convention and Trade Show Organizers

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$40,000–$50,000

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About the role

About the role: The Zoological Society of New Jersey is looking for an experienced Event Manager to own our two premier fundraising events from initial planning through execution and post-event wrap-up. Brew at the Zoo is a long-running, high-energy craft beer festival that draws 2,000–3,000 guests to the zoo each year. Casino Night is an upscale, intimate evening for up to 300 guests, designed to raise funds and build lasting relationships with current and prospective donors. You'll be the day-to-day driver of both events: managing vendors, timelines and logistics, partnering with our internal team on goals and workload, and running the show on event day. This is a role for someone who loves the details and can deliver two very different guest experiences with the same polish.

Key responsibilities include: (but are not limited to) Brew at the Zoo

Recruit, confirm and manage participating breweries, including outreach, agreements, load-in details and day-of communication
Source and book entertainment (bands, DJs, activations) within budget
Build and manage the event timeline, site plan, vendor list and run-of-show
Partner with zoo operations, security, food service and volunteers on logistics for 2,000–3,000 guests
Support marketing and promotion: provide brewery and talent content, coordinate with the marketing team on campaigns, social and partner cross-promotion
Lead on-site coordination on event day, from setup through breakdown Casino Night
Plan and produce a high-end fundraising evening for up to 300 guests at an off-site venue
Manage venue, catering, casino gaming vendor, décor, entertainment and rentals
Work with development staff to support fundraising goals: sponsorships, auction or raffle items, and donor-focused moments in the program
Coordinate guest list, invitations and RSVPs with the development and marketing teams
Create a polished guest experience that supports donor cultivation and relationship-building
Lead on-site coordination on event night Across both events
Work with the Director of Marketing & Events and internal teams to set goals, budgets and a clear split of responsibilities
Own planning timelines, vendor contracts, budget tracking and regular status updates
Brief and manage volunteers and staff on their event-day roles
Secure sponsors for each event
Handle post-event work: vendor payments and reconciliation, thank-yous, attendee and partner feedback, and a wrap-up report with results and recommendations

Additional responsibilities:

May be tasked with assisting on smaller events should a need arise Qualifications Required
5+ years of event planning and production experience, including at least one event of 1,000+ attendees
Track record managing vendors, contracts, budgets and timelines for multiple events at once
Strong on-site leadership: calm, decisive problem-solving on event day
Clear, professional communication with vendors, partners, staff, volunteers and donors
Availability for evening and weekend work around event dates
Ability to work outside in seasonal weather conditions Preferred
Experience with nonprofit fundraising events, galas or donor cultivation
Relationships with New Jersey / NY-metro craft breweries, entertainers or event vendors
Familiarity with alcohol-service event requirements
Experience supporting event marketing (social media, email, partner promotion)

Compensation and how to apply Target compensation for this role is $40,000–$50,000, based on experience, and covers the full planning, execution and post-event cycle for both events. Workload is seasonal and peaks in the weeks around each event, with Casino Night happening in April/May and Brew at the Zoo in June. To apply, send a resume and a short cover letter describing two events you've managed (attendance, budget and your role) to pbieger@zoologicalsocietyofnj.org. Links to event photos, run-of-show documents or references are welcome.

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