Event Manager & Office Admin

Job Title: Event Manager & Office Admin

Category: Fulltime Year-round
FLSA Status: Exempt

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is looking for an Event Manager & Office Admin to bring events to life in a setting where breathtaking scenery meets unforgettable experiences. Under the direction of the Director of Sales & Marketing this role manages every detail from first inquiry to final send-off from elegant weddings to corporate retreats and signature AWCC events ensuring a high-quality guest and vendor experience.

This is a hands-on high-energy position for someone who thrives on creating memorable moments in a truly one-of-a-kind environment. Each day offers something different whether coordinating vendors welcoming guests or ensuring events run seamlessly with wildlife glaciers and mountains as the backdrop. While event execution is the primary focus this role also supports key administrative functions that keep office operations organized and efficient. This role is primarily on-site at AWCC with limited opportunities for remote work based on operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Event Coordination & Management (Primary Focus)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all facility rentals and special events
• Lead pre-event planning including scheduling site tours layouts timelines and logistics
• Manage client relationships from inquiry through event completion
• Assist the Director of Sales & Marketing with event sales and contracting processes
• Coordinate with caterers decorators and preferred vendors
• Act as liaison for preferred caterers and external partners
• Assist with annual contracting for preferred caterers and track collection of commissions due
• Support preparation and execution of event contracts timelines and deliverables
• Oversee event setup execution and breakdown to ensure a seamless guest experience
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in real time during events
• Support AWCC-hosted events and conduct tours for prospective renters

Client Events May Include:

• Weddings corporate events luncheons board meetings retreats team building experiences intimate gatherings and birthday parties.

AWCC Signature Events Include:

• Mothers Day Military Mondays First Responder Day Summer Hummingbird Days National Bison Day Easter Spot the Grinch Big Bears Big Veggies Ruts for Dinner AWCC Birthday Celebration and Halloween.
• Collaborate on developing new event concepts and enhancing existing programming to increase attendance engagement and revenue

AWCC Facility Rental Spaces Include

• Bison Hall Matson Ocean Education Center (New Facility Grand Opening May 16 2026) The Pavilion (New Facility Opening Summer/Fall of 2026) and Full Sanctuary Buy-Outs.

Administrative & Office Operations (Supporting Role)

• Manage AWCC main phone line and shared email inbox
  • Respond promptly to inquiries and route communications appropriately
  • Assist with monitoring and responding to social media inquiries
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) during assigned shifts acting as the point of contact for staff events and emergencies

Cross-Departmental Support

• Provide support to Retail and Admissions teams as needed
  • Operate POS systems and handle cash transactions
  • Assist with processing donations memberships and animal adoptions
  • Provide coverage during peak periods including summer months
• Support educational programming as needed including assisting with tours and step-on guides.

Additional Duties

• Take and distribute meeting minutes for operations and board meetings on occasion
• Assist with administrative tasks as assigned
• Perform other duties as needed to support organizational goals
• Participate in on-camera interviews and engage with media or film crews during events and on-site productions as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 3 years of event management office administration or related experience
• Proven ability to plan and execute events with strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Teams Word Excel PowerPoint and Publisher
• Experience with Adobe and Canva preferred
• Familiarity with Teams file sharing and transcription tools
• Strong customer service skills and ability to interact professionally with clients and the public
• Comfortable being on camera and representing AWCC during media interactions or filmed events
• Ability to adapt problem-solve and collaborate effectively with a team
• A valid drivers license is required for all job listings
• Proof of current tetanus vaccination

Schedule

• Four 10-hour days per week
• Typically Friday through Monday with flexibility based on event and facility needs
• Must be able to work outdoors in extreme wind temperature rain and winter conditions.
• Must work a flexible schedule including nights weekends and holidays as needed.

Compensation

• Annual Salary Starting at $65000 DOE

Benefits Package

• 12 paid holidays including your birthday
• Sick leave accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked up to 56 hours annually
• Paid time off up to two weeks in the first year with increased accrual and carryover based on tenure
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match after one year of service
• Medical dental and vision insurance with 100% of employee premiums covered by AWCC

About Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway AWCC is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaskas wildlife through conservation education research and quality animal care.

AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a permanent home. The sanctuary spans over 200 acres of spacious habitats allowing resident animals to live in a natural environment while serving as education ambassadors for their species.

AWCC offers a peaceful and scenic setting for the ultimate Alaska experience where guests are immersed in stunning mountain views alpine glaciers the Turnagain Arm Inlet and Alaskas iconic wildlife.

Required Experience:

Manager