Leverage your event management experience to inspire connection with people and help them create incredible memories when they host their event with us! The Event Sales team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a  full-time, permanent Assistant Manager, Event Sales who will be responsible for managing and executing a portfolio of catered and private event client events while supporting the overall performance and operational effectiveness of the Event Sales team.

This role blends advanced event coordination responsibilities with advanced client management and mentorship support. The Assistant Manager ensures accurate event planning, strong cross-departmental communication, revenue growth within assigned accounts, and consistent delivery of exceptional client experiences.

This position acts as a People Leader within the Sales team — supporting coaching, process improvement, reporting, and performance tracking — while maintaining direct ownership of a portfolio of revenue-generating accounts.

The Assistant Manager, Event Sales plays a critical role in enhancing the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s reputation through high-quality event execution and strong client relationships.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

What you will do:

Event Sales & Client Management:

• Manage a portfolio of corporate, social, and wedding clients from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up

• Prepare and finalize contracts, event orders, and all required documentation accurately and on time

• Coordinate menus, décor, room setups, timelines, and event logistics

• Serve as primary liaison between clients and internal departments including Catering, Kitchen, Guest Relations, Marketing, and Operations

• Conduct site tours and client meetings

• Ensure all final event details are accurately conveyed to operations teams

• Perform post-event follow-up to ensure client satisfaction and encourage repeat business

• Proactively resolve client concerns and service challenges

Revenue Accountability:

• Identify opportunities to increase event revenue through thoughtful up-selling and add-on services

• Contribute to achieving defined sales targets within assigned accounts

• Maintain awareness of competitive offerings and market trends

• Support inside sales initiatives, including outbound calls and follow-ups as required

Team & Operational Support:

• Provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship to Event Sales Coordinators

• Support onboarding and training of new team members

• Reinforce best practices related to contracts, documentation, and client communication standards

• Assist in maintaining accountability around lead response times and process consistency

• Act as a senior team resource and leadership presence when required

What you will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, or related field is preferred.

• 4–6 years of progressive experience in event sales, business development, or hospitality sales is required.

• Proven experience managing multiple complex events simultaneously

• Strong experience working with corporate and wedding clientele

• Experience supporting or mentoring team members is an asset

• Experience developing sales strategies and interpreting performance data preferred

• Experience with catering/event management software (e.g., Caterease or equivalent)

• Strong negotiation and presentation skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple high-value client accounts

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated by timely and accurate communication with clients

• Ability to support with building team cohesion and strengthening the efficiencies and team capacity

• Strong organizational and project management capabilities

• Proactive approach to anticipating issues that may arise and ability to take a holisitic approach to problem solving, should an issue arise.

• Ability to take initiative to pursue new and returning client opportunities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM/catering software (e.g., Caterease or equivalent)

• Strong analytical and forecasting skills

• Confident networking within hospitality and tourism communities

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with on-grounds mobility required

• Attendance at industry events and networking functions required

• Occasional evening and weekend work

• Must be comfortable working in a large outdoor facility in varying weather conditions

• Support at client events as required

• Events may include sound environments including loud music, crowd noise, machinery, and animal noises

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement

• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account

• Employer matching RRSP program

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise

• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan

• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

• Watch this video

  about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)

• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.

• Fill in the Application questions:

  • Confirm eligibility to work in Canada.

  • If hired, when would you be available to start?

  • How many years of relevant work experience do you have in a similar role?

  • Please briefly describe how your skills and experience would align with this position.

 Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by April 2, 2026.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion , and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed and a final decision has been made.