Zoo Community Engagement Manager

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree or higher in Business, Public Administration, Public Relations, Communications, or a closely related field and four (4) years of experience involving the development and coordination of public events, community outreach, or public information; or four (4) years of administrative experience which involved budgeting, grant administration, or sponsorship development, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certificates: Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.

Under general direction, develop, implement, and coordinate projects and program activities to promote, support, and integrate community involvement in the El Paso Zoo.

Plan, develop, and implement strategies to facilitate community involvement in the El Paso Zoo. Involves: Develops and implements policies, procedures, and protocols designed to obtain community input on the El Paso Zoo initiatives. Conduct stakeholder assessments, meet with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community groups to identify trends, ideas, and available resources. Facilitates public dialogues and consensus to develop community-driven projects and initiatives. Assess community concerns, values, and opinions on the El Paso Zoo projects, programs, and initiatives.

Develop, execute, and evaluate the effectiveness of Zoo events, projects, and initiatives. Involves: Facilitating formation of public and private partnerships, business alliances, and inter-local agreements that foster conservation development, and advising local communities or cooperatives on conservation programs, planning, and marketing initiatives. Collaborate with other jurisdictions, the business community, civic groups, and other stakeholders to integrate initiatives. Identify opportunities and prospects to solicit and negotiate new or expanded events and/or program operations. Advocate for locating events, services, and facilities by arranging and participating in related outreach.

Plan and develop funding sources and fundraising goals. Involves: Researching available funding from private, local, state, and federal sources. Seeks input from managers about special projects for possible grant funding. Write and review grant applications. Ensure annual grant funding and reporting deadlines are met. Network with current funding organizations and potential funding sources. Identify and maintain a network of potential donors to support financial goals. Solicit corporate prospects and maintain relationships with current corporate contributors. Solicit support for Zoo sponsorships. Meet with representatives of funding sources to develop proposals or assist with developing and innovating new projects, events, or programs. Work with staff to schedule and implement events and programs to expand membership and fundraising drives, and other promotional events.

Consult with staff to develop and implement public information training materials, bulletins, and presentations. Involves: Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with community leaders, City officials, media, and the general public. Informs City officials of community events and issues through various media such as written reports, conferences, and community meetings. Organizes forums, walking tours, conferences, and other community events and meetings.

Assist in the management, staging, and execution of Zoo Events. Involves: Implementing the vendor selection process. Coordinate contracts with sponsors and vendors. Managing the planning and logistics execution of department events. Develop and maintain relationships with venue personnel and relevant City departments. Represent the Zoo at City Council meetings, boards and commissions, and community events as required.

Perform administrative duties. Involves: Compiling, editing, and submitting grants in final format. Ensure that expenditures comply with grant endowment provisions. Evaluate program activities and recommend changes as appropriate. Manage the computer data system to maintain accurate and updated sponsor and donor information. Conduct market research to determine needs and evaluate the effectiveness of projects. Coordinate with volunteer committees to accomplish specific fundraising goals. Prepare, monitor, submit, and justify division budget. Market new ideas and events to promote Zoo activities, events, and programs.

A résumé and/or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Comments such as “See résumé” are not acceptable and will result in the application being considered incomplete.

To qualify for this position, the required education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be clearly stated on your application’s employment history. We do not use any information on your resume to review if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Failure to fully detail all experience and job duties in the application, or copying/pasting directly from the job specification, or responses referring to your résumé will eliminate you from consideration for the position.