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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Catering Sales Coordinator organizes group events and meal functions as assigned; coordinates event logistics with other departments and outside parties; assures preparation of related communication documents; organizes events and activities for SDZWA both at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and at offsite and regional locations. This position reports to the Catering Sales Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

+ Coordinate a variety of private catered events, including weddings, corporate and social markets to include site inspections, overseeing of event, responding to last minute requests, resolving operational issues and ensuring high levels of customer service.

+ Develops experience and plans and coordinates logistics with outside vendors, and authorities/departments as needed e.g. health department, ABC, SDPD etc. Determines event sites and creates event staffing plans, and all related logistics. Develops cost analysis for budgeting purposes including tracking expenses and revenue and reporting.

+ Cultivates and steward’s clients (up to $500,000 events) through highly customized experiences and tour activities, resulting in elevated revenue impact to SDZWA. Collaborates with internal departments and manages the direction of projects and events.

+ Create Event Orders and Planner for internal and external communications to ensure events are executed successfully with a high level of customer satisfaction.

+ Track deposits, guarantees, and tickets.

+ Contracts outside vendors for event services, negotiating best prices

+ Directs staff and volunteers at events

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Develop a comprehensive outreach strategy to identify potential food and beverage vendors within the local community and effectively communicate with potential vendors to highlight the benefits of partnering with San Diego Zoo for Food, Wine & Brew. Research and connect with all viable event vendors via email, phone, and in-person meetings to present partnership opportunities and negotiate terms of engagement with outside vendors and authorities/departments as needed, e.g. health departments, ABC, SDPD etc. Assist in coordinating logistics and requirements with selected vendors to ensure seamless execution of food and beverage services during event. Maintain ongoing communication and relationships with vendors to foster long-term partnerships and ensure satisfaction with the partnership experience. Onsite support the day/night of the event, May 2, 2026 - additional nights and weekends may be required.

JOB EXPERIENCE

+ At least 4 years’ experience in event planning and coordination in markets including; wedding, corporate, social. Experience with food, beverage, sales, and marketing or related professional area required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

+ High School Diploma Required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

+ Working knowledge of food and beverage and banquet style services.

+ Working knowledge of catering menu planning and development.

+ Strong working knowledge of food & beverage safety standards.

+ Familiar with trends in catering, food & beverage and hospitality industry.

+ Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a diverse environment.

+ Able to operate word processing, spreadsheet, and database systems (ReServe Cloud knowledge preferred).

+ Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written).

+ Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks with competing deadlines with a high level of accuracy.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

+ Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

+ Family Passes

+ Complimentary Tickets

+ Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park

+ Local and In-House Discounts

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

+ Location: San Diego, CA

+ Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Six-Month Seasonal Non-Exempt Position

+ Hourly Rate: $29.34

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail [email protected]. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to [email protected] and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.