Event Manager

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

ZSL is seeking an Event Manager to join the ZSL Events team at Whipsnade Zoo to manage the development and delivery of Whipsnade Zoo’s expanding events programme. An important aspect of this role is ideation, creating world class, original events to drive footfall to our zoo in key holiday periods and to retain existing audiences. The role holder will also need to implement creative ideas from conception through to deployment and have the ability to work with a range of people from different backgrounds. The successful candidate will ideally have experience working within tourism and visitor attractions; can demonstrate project management skills and will be a creative and innovative individual.

‍

• Lead event project groups through the planning and delivery of events including; holiday activities, membership events, commercial events, partnerships and campaign launches
• Ensure event guidelines and best practices are in place in relation to animal welfare guidelines, sustainability, safety, brand fit and appropriateness
• Ensure visitor satisfaction research is carried out for each event and report results against set targets.
• Line management of one staff member and several volunteers
• Highlighting our conservation work through the events programme
• Emergency duty management cover

‍

• Experience developing and managing multiple large-scale events, ideally within the leisure sector
• An understanding of what makes a great visitor experience and how to deliver a profitable event
• Excellent judgement and imaginative thinking to drive forward the Events Programme at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
• Experience in management of people and strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with stakeholders across the organisation and with external companies
• Awareness of how to create an inclusive event
• Degree or equivalent qualification

This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the creation of exciting new events to support ZSL. You will have exposure to a variety of departments and opportunities to gain experience within the events industry.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds.  We actively encourage applications from ethnic minority candidates as those demographics are currently under-represented across ZSL

What do we offer?

You will have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion.

Other benefits include 25 days holiday, life assurance, stakeholder pension (ZSL will also match further contributions you may choose to make up to a further 5% - limited to 12% employer contributions), complimentary zoo tickets with a 30% discount in shops and online, subsidized canteen, enhanced paternity and maternity leave, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

Ultimately, you’ll know that you’ll help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.

‍