JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

Events Executive

SECTION:

Events

DEPARTMENT:

Events

DIVISION:

Marketing & Communications

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Events Manager

PARTICIPATING JOB HOLDER(S):

APPROVED BY:
JOB HOLDER(S):
DIRECTOR:

Marketing & Communications Director

JOB DESCRIPTION REFERENCE NUMBER:

GRADE ALLOCATED:

JOB EVALUATION REVIEW HISTORY AND EXPLANATORY NOTES:

BACKGROUND
The ZSL Events Team devises and delivers a range of events to attract more visitors
to the zoos, develop relationships with supporters and to diversify ZSLs income
opportunities.
Events range from small scale high engagement events through to large scale
events attracting several thousand attendees. The most successful examples are
Zoo Nights and Zoo Lates, whereby extending the operating hours of the zoos and

providing a different package to the standard day visitor experience, we were able to
appeal to different audiences and generate new income for ZSL.
The Events Teams primary objective is to deliver a diverse annual calendar of
events, which raises the profile of ZSL to the wider community, generates favourable
publicity for ZSL and raises funds to support ZSLs work.
JOB DESCRIPTION
To assist with the delivery of an expanding annual programme of events which
reflect and support the objectives and long term strategy of ZSL in building our
relationships with all of our supporters and to the wider public.
The role will actively assist in the delivery of regular events, as well as the
development of new and innovative events which are commercially viable and attract
new audiences.
1.1

To assist with the development and delivery of an expanding annual calendar

of small and large scale events at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and ZSL London Zoo.

1.2

To research, develop and deliver new events which reflect and support the
objectives and long term strategy of ZSL.

1.3

To work with the Events Manager to agree upon objectives and outcomes for
each event.

1.4

To have input into the overall ZSL Events strategy, planning and delivery
process.

1.5

To work with appropriate colleagues to develop and deliver the event

specification and ensure that the style and calibre of the event meets the
objectives and target audience.

1.6

To work with the curators, keepers and other animal management staff to
ensure appropriate presentation of animals and that animal welfare issues are
thoroughly managed for the delivery of each event.

1.7

To work in conjunction with various ZSL departments as required, to ensure

consistently high standards in the delivery of events.

1.8

Ensure all event-related administrative records are kept up to date.

1.9

To work with other relevant ZSL departments (Marketing, Development, PR

etc.) to ensure events are promoted to the appropriate audiences.

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JOB DESCRIPTION ANALYSIS

A.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1.

Strong project management skills.

Strong operations/logistics ability.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office essential.
Experience in design or web software an advantage.
Full drivers license essential.
2.

B.

EXPERIENCE

A proven track record of event management or project management.

Large-scale events experience an advantage.
Outdoor events experience an advantage.
Ticketed events experience an advantage.
The applicant will have a good and trusted network of event suppliers in the
UK and Europe, or a demonstrated track record of the ability to develop such
networks quickly and effectively.
3.

VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and influencing

skills.
A high level of credibility and the ability to liaise effectively with a broad
spectrum of internal and external stakeholders, colleagues and suppliers are
a must for this role.
Strong diplomacy and a good sense of humour are a definite advantage.
RESPONSIBILITY
1.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Whilst there is currently no line management responsibility for this role, there
will be the requirement to manage a range of casual staff and suppliers on a
project by project basis.
2.
PHYSICAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
This role will have the responsibility for the planning, management and
delivery of events and activities.
The role will involve researching, developing, managing and reconciling
budgets and profit and loss statements.
To assist with the management and maintenance of the events equipment
inventory as required.
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3.
COMMUNICATION
Strong communication skills are required to keep good lines of communication
open between internal ZSL departments and external suppliers/stakeholders.

4.
LIASION
The role will require liaison with external suppliers/stakeholders as well as
with colleagues across ZSL.

C.

MENTAL DEMANDS

1.
JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING
Good business acumen is required for this role, as is the ability to develop
event ideas and activities which are on-trend/suitable for various markets
identified.
The post holder will be required to manage competing priorities to strict
deadlines.
The role will require extreme attention to detail, yet a flexibility of style in what
can be a constantly changing environment.
2.

The role requires imaginative thinking and a flair for developing new and
dynamic event concepts to support the marketing, membership and
commercial fundraising strategies of ZSL.
The candidate must demonstrate excellent problem-solving ability and be able
to come up with unique solutions in high-pressure situations.
3.

D.

ORIGINAL THOUGHT AND PROBLEM SOLVING

CONCENTRATION

Project planning for events and activities will require strong numerical and
analytical skills to both plan and evaluate.
Mental stamina as well as the ability to multi-task is required.
4.
FLEXIBILITY
The candidate will need to be a motivated self-starter, who can also work well
as part of both the events team and the broader ZSL network.
Event requirements at ZSL are constantly evolving, so the post-holder will
need to be able to embrace change.
The role will involve working on several complex projects simultaneously, at
varying stages of their development and delivery cycle.
WORKING CONDITIONS

We have a non-smoking working environment.

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Normal office hours generally apply, however, regular out of hours and
weekend work will be required, for which the candidate will receive time in
lieu.

The post will be based at Whipsnade Zoo, with on average one day per week
working in London. This may vary throughout the year, depending on the
programme requirements of each site.

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