Position Title: Development Events Manager
Department: Development
Reports To: Director of Development Events
Location: Audubon Zoo
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full Time, Exempt
Starting rate $50.000.00 commensurate with experience
To be considered for this role, please provide your current resume and cover letter.
Who We Are
Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park
At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.
What You’ll Do
This full-time position is responsible for daily office operations, leading department marketing efforts, managing the Auction, Raffle, and third-party revenue, leading staff and volunteer committees associated with the events, and soliciting in-kind donations. The Development Events Manager will provide hands-on support with fundraising events, donor events, and member events as well as exhibit openings and press conferences as needed.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Committee Relations and Support
· Manage committees, including but not limited to: Auction, Office Appreciation, Office Support, Invitations, and Publicity.
· Ensure that donors, volunteers, and vendors feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions in a timely manner
Event Marketing Management
· Lead Development Events marketing efforts in partnership with the Marketing.
· Lead the Printed Materials process and e-blasts with Marketing.
· Manage Ticket Sales matrix and integration into website
Revenue Generation
· Manage Zoo-To-Do Auction committee to solicit and confirm auction donors
· Create copy for ZTD Auction program using exciting and creative writing to sell the packages
· Manage ZTD Vehicle Raffle – including licensing, raffle mailer production, website coordination, ticket sales, promotion and reporting with Dept of Revenue’s Charitable Gaming Office.
· Manage third-party event revenue – including Lee Michaels partnership and execution of promotion and day of event support.
Administrative Responsibilities
· Schedule and make arrangements for Departmental meetings as requested
· Manage departmental financial operations such as reconciling the Purchase card, filling out purchase orders, check requests, journal entries, and other accounting paperwork.
· Monitor inventory of office supplies and event production supplies and order as needed
· Prepare vendor/donor solicitation and instruction packets, including merging letters
· Maintain the cleanliness of the department’s storage unit and office areas
Event Production Support
· Assist the Director of Development Events in executing high-quality Fundraising and Donor events by coordinating various phases of events and following up with event donors, guests, and vendors.
· Solicit the help of Audubon staff and work closely with Audubon’s Volunteer Department to provide volunteer staffing for each event.
· Be available during crunch time leading up to each event and provide hands-on support, including set-up and clean-up. Additional post-event clean-up, including maintainingthe cleanliness of storage units, event spaces, and office spaces, is required for all events
Additional/Overall Skills:
· Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
· Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
· Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
· Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
· The above-listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
Must Haves: (required for the role)
· Bachelor's degree required
· Minimum of three years full-time volunteer management, fundraising, administrative or event production experience preferred.
· Highly organized with strong attention to detail and writing skills
· Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Google Workspace
· Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner is required.
Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)
· Experience in volunteer management
· Versed with Canva and creative eye
· Sales Experience
Physical Requirements:
· Sedentary Work: exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. May involve sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
· Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
· Regular near acuity with clarity of vision at 20 inches or less required.
· Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language are expected.
· Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
· Constant ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.
· Working long hours between breaks or meals is required.
· Affinity for animals preferred.