While you just may know that Brookfield Zoo is a major player in the global effort to preserve and support our animal kingdom, you may not know that we provide world-class culinary delights, impeccable presentation, and amazing surroundings for various events from weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, black-tie events, fundraisers, ceremonies, picnics and countless others. It truly is an exotic venue and no place can compare to Brookfield Zoo!

As Birthday Party Coordinator, you will be responsible for all aspects of birthday party coordination from selling birthday party events to the service of the event, which includes being the on-site staff contact and lead server on the day of the event. Works with clients directly. Making use of your ability to coordinator multiple projects and activities, you will conduct site tours for potential clients, facilitates contracts, banquet events orders, menus, guarantees and payment. This includes presenting the birthday party package and additional menu items, services, entertainment, upgraded linens, attraction tickets, etc. that are available and provide the associated cost information. The Birthday Party Coordinator's day-of-event responsibilities include set-up of the dining room, facilitation of the food and beverage service, and upholding standards and supervision of any assigned staff who are responsible for start-to-finish coordination of all details, logistics, entertainment, catering, site arrangements, etc., to ensure overall success of their respective operation. Utilizing your excellent communication skills, you will communicate client specifications, needs, event details, and customer / department expectations to culinary, event planning staff, and all other departments involved within the Society that support the event. Making use of your strong organization skills, you will coordinate with culinary and events planning staff to assure optimal customer satisfaction and conduct proper follow-up with client upon completion of event. As Birthday Party Coordinator, you will maintain operational coordination standards with other departments; maintain good working relationships with all Society departments; establish and reinforce first class service procedures, set-up procedures, and departmental operating standard procedures; and, keep management informed of all emergent issues within the Catered Events Departments. Furthermore, you will work with the Director of Catering to develop marketing, advertising publication, etc., to effectively represent birthday program and services to the public.

Position Requirements and Specifications
This is a seasonal (temporary) position. The starting wage is $14.25/hour.

This position includes the following requirements:

• High School graduate or GED equivalent.
  
• Minimum of two years directly relevant experience in hotel, banquet, birthday party venue or similar food and beverage business required. Must have experience and knowledge of effective sales techniques.
  
• Must be computer proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
  
• Must possess excellent communications and interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and audiences.
  
• Strong customer service skills required.
  
• Must possess strong organizational skills. Attention to detail and accuracy a must.
  
• Demonstrated experience successfully coordinating multiple projects and activities.
  
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
  
• Incumbent must be available to work weekends, weekdays and limited evenings.

This position includes the following desirable/preferred qualifications:

• Experience with or knowledge of Catermate or other catering software a plus.
  
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
This requisition is to actively recruit for a position with an anticipated start date in July.

This is a seasonal part-time position for approximately 20 hour per week.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.