Community Presence Coordinator

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, IA is a non‑profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation.

Position Purpose
The Community Presence Coordinator is responsible for elevating the Zoo’s visibility and engagement within the community by identifying, planning, and staffing external public events. The role also coordinates and executes logistical, scheduling, and hosting duties for Behind the Scenes tours and serves as the primary manager of the Safari Soiree auction component – overseeing committee procurement efforts, soliciting donations, and managing the auction software system.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Community Events & Outreach: Identifies high‑impact community events where the Zoo should establish a presence; coordinates logistics, travels to and staffs events to actively engage the public and promote institutional initiatives.

Behind the Scenes Tours: Manages the end‑to‑end logistics, scheduling, and communication for Behind the Scenes tours; acts as the primary host to safely guide guests from area to area across the Zoo campus while collaborating with keepers who provide technical animal expertise.

Auction Item Procurement Management: Leads the procurement process for the Safari Soiree auction component, directly solicits item donations, and effectively guides and coordinates the auction committee’s procurement activities.

Auction Technology System: Serves as the primary user and administrator for the auction software platform, responsible for full system setup, entering and tracking auction items, and executing the digital components of the auction.

Customer Service & Departmental Support: Provides high‑quality customer service during all public interactions; assists the broader development and membership teams with cross‑functional goals, database integrity, and promotional initiatives as needed.

Other duties as assigned: Relate to the overall success of the Development department.

Resourceful – Understanding of or ability to research all applicable topics as they relate to modern zoological management, attraction operations, and customer service.

Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while maintaining composure in a stressful environment.

Independent – Must operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow‑up.

Positive – Exhibits a positive, effective team spirit and public ambassador quality, and builds professional relationships.

Communicator – Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with active listening skills.

Critical Thinker – Makes sound decisions under pressure, resolves logistical challenges on‑site at events, and solves complex problems as they arise.

Innovative – Proposes creative solutions and identifies new external opportunities to grow community presence and auction revenue.

Efficient – Completes tasks thoroughly yet quickly.

Customer‑Oriented – Consistently delivers professional customer service in varied public settings.

Team Player – Collaborates with the area supervisor and team to achieve common organizational goals.

None directly coordinates and directs the activities of event volunteers and auction committee members.

Regularly required to work both in a standard office setting and in dynamic outdoor/indoor public event spaces. This role requires traveling to off‑site locations and moving across Zoo grounds in varied weather conditions to facilitate tours and events.

Physical Requirements
Responsibilities include ascending or descending ladders, stairs, or other structures; moving in confined spaces; standing or sitting for prolonged periods; walking short distances; lifting or moving objects up to 50 pounds; communicating with others; performing repeating wrist, hand, or finger motions; operating machinery or power tools; driving motor vehicles; performing stooping, kneeling, or crouching activities; reaching with hands and arms; tasting or smelling. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Required Education and Experience

Demonstrated customer service, hospitality, or public relations experience (preferred).

High level of comfort navigating and setting up digital platforms; experience with auction or event management databases/software highly preferred.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel (required).

Experience coordinating volunteers or committee work is a plus.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Must maintain a highly flexible work schedule, including frequent evenings, weekends, and holiday hours to meet outreach and event needs.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to transport event materials and merchandise to off‑site locations.

Must remain calm and act professionally in all public‑facing situations, crowded events, and guest interactions.

Other Duties
please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement
Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking, and seek fulfilling employment. In return, Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.

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