Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, or related field Seven (7) years of professional guest service experience at a large attraction Five (5) years supervisory experience at a large attraction Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve issues Excellent guest service skills and the ability to train your team on how to provide exceptional guest service to our guests Ability to identify areas of improvement for your team Ability to train, motivate and encourage department team members Excellent communications skills, including writing and public speaking Ability to schedule and plan work duties to effectively use personnel, materials, and equipment Proven effective leadership skills Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen Responsibilities As the Senior VP of Operations, your duties include providing strategic direction, managing, and evaluating all aspects of front gate, membership, Kiddie Park, zoo rides, and zoo quality, the IT and Security/EMT teams, and oversight of Events & Entertainment as well as Education As Senior VP of Operations, you must communicate effectively with subordinates, peers, contractors, clients, patrons, volunteers, and the public You share responsibility for ensuring the entire zoo is at a high-quality, safe, and suitable level for the public and zoo team members and that events and education programming enhance the zoo’s mission, comply with safety and environmental standards, and meet financial delivery and guest satisfaction goals You will also assist in handling guest complaints Oversee the operations of the zoo’s train ride, carousel, and other rides and attractions that San Antonio Zoo may operate, to include Kiddie Park Responsible for managing all staff functions related to selling and taking admission tickets/memberships to ensure a pleasant experience for all zoo guests Responsible for the cleanliness and safety of all public areas of the zoo Manage Park Security/EMT Department and IT Department Oversee the development and execution of the entertainment program, as well as coordinating and managing consumer, private, and philanthropic events Develop and implement signature Zoo entertainment, including Zoo Lights, Zoo Boo, and Zoo La La Responsible for Edutainment team’s successful day-to-day leadership, including actors, Educators, Interpreters, character performers, and unique event performers Oversee the Education Department, including all programming, Animal Ambassador Team, Kronkosky Tiny Tot Nature Spot, and Will Smith Zoo School Build a department and team that supports conservation and interpretation to showcase and educate the public on the significance and relevance of our mission and vision Set goals and objectives for your team to ensure objectives are met or exceeded Assist with creating training manuals and materials to help team members be successful in their jobs Ensure that there is adequate staff for peak times and to fill line schedules Be a voice and advocate for our guests regarding their experience and safety Motivate your team and encourage them to perform at their best Use problem solving skills to identify and address guest complaints, resolve issues with team members and address any other issues that affect the guest experience Create and maintain the annual budget of each department and ensure that they comply with budgetary controls Develop and implement policies and procedures that improve the overall efficiency and safety of the departments Through Security and compliance, help enforce the zoo’s cash handling policies along with all the zoo’s policies Collaborate with other department leaders to ensure that guests have a positive experience from start to finish and develop strategies to overcome challenges Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside the zoo, showing hospitality to all Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and the animals we protect Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned San Antonio Zoo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year round. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America. J-18808-Ljbffr