Ralston Venue Manager [Full-Time]

Ralston Venue Manager

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the place you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people and like-minded conservationists, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role

The Venue Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of The Ralston Event Center, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while overseeing venue operations and coordination with catering partners. This role centralizes venue oversight, contract coordination, and execution to create a seamless and consistent client experience.

As the Ralston Venue Manager, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

Operations & Guest Experience (60%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all venue inquiries, tours, and bookings.
• Oversee event scheduling, calendar management, and coordination of on-site logistics.
• Ensure cleanliness, setup, and operational standards meet the Zoo's expectations.
• Liaise with catering partners (SSA Group & RK Group) to ensure smooth contract execution and event delivery.
• Review and approve contracts in coordination with catering partners to ensure consistency and clarity.
• Troubleshoot on-site issues and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction.

Sales & Marketing Support (30%)

• Conduct venue tours for prospective clients and present standardized packages and pricing options.
• Develop and maintain consistent pricing packages and rental structures.
• Maintain CRM or booking system for tracking prospects, follow-ups, and closed bookings.
• Collaborate with Zoo marketing team to promote The Ralston through digital, social, and event channels.

Reporting & Strategic Management (10%)

• Monitor venue performance, including revenue, occupancy, and guest satisfaction.

• Provide regular reports to Executive Leadership on bookings, revenue, and operational metrics.

• Recommend process improvements and contract adjustments with catering partners.

• 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.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in service management or related field, experience may be substituted.
• 3+ years of experience in hospitality venue operations.
• Valid Texas driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• You are driven, detail-oriented, positive, and a people person.
• Possess strong leadership skills with experience managing multiple operations.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to deal with employee and employee/guest relations.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and compile reports.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders (clients, staff, catering partners) effectively.
• Knowledge of CRM systems, event booking software, and budgeting is preferred.
• Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.
• We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional special after-hour assignments.

San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.