Administrative and Technical Specialist

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (the Society) is seeking an Administrative and Technical Specialist to join a fun and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets – the Milwaukee County Zoo. This position conducts multiple essential administrative and operational responsibilities for our theater program within Arts Education at the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM). The role works within the Arts Education Program in support of the Society’s mission to educate people about the importance of wildlife and animals and support the Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ), and the Conservation Education department’s vision to inspire and empower all members of our community to take conservation action.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, complimentary dental, vision, life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary Zoo Pass, up to the Household level.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as primary customer facing representative for the Arts Education outreach programs including performances, workshops, and puppet appearances.
• Book all outreach performances and workshops, setting venue agreements and organizing the performance calendar.
• Respond in a timely manner to outreach program inquiries and customer concerns.
• Maintain processes regarding bookings and provide continuous improvement to those processes.
• Employ strong customer service and interpersonal skills to connect and relate with a variety of participants, family members, and volunteers, ranging in age and diversity.
• Assist with seasonal education registration, as needed.
• Coordinate Arts Education teams traveling into the community and performing at the Zoo. Includes providing acting and stage management staff with all venue information, following up on all venue concerns and maintaining a venue history.
• Coordinate evaluation feedback from audience surveys and update files for evaluation analysis. Record relevant evaluation data including access numbers, geographic footprint, demographic information of audiences, and attendance.
• Maintain and update the Arts Education website and other online resources, such as audition announcements, social narratives and show summaries, in coordination with the Arts Education Manager.
• Research and identify strategies to increase program engagement for both outreach and in-zoo performances.
• Assist Arts Education Manager in gathering independent designers and artisans by creating commission documents summarizing the technical needs of the production. Assist Arts Education Manager with onboarding of production designers and contractors, including stage managers.
• Design and fabricate costumes, props, sets, or puppets (depending on skillset) for Arts Education shows.
• Assist with various technical components for Arts Education shows, including performance cues, tech lists, van packs and scheduling logistics to ensure high quality experience and smooth production process.
• Provide practical and organizational support to the director, actors, designers, stage crew and technicians throughout the rehearsal and production process.
• Organize and lead technical rehearsals, production strike, and cast appreciation parties. Prepare and winterize summer mainstage area at the start and conclusion of summer season.
• Direct and stage manage Arts Education productions as needed (depending on skillset).
• Manage “after-hours” complications during performance runs in coordination with the Arts Education Manager.
• Assist with purchasing, inventory and maintenance of show vehicles, props, puppets, sets, costumes, computers, microphones, technical equipment, vehicles, signage, and other materials. Ensure system for tracking and storing materials is put into place.
• Act as Arts Education liaison with Milwaukee County Zoo. Coordinate Zoo stage usage and maintain backstage work areas with the Family Farm staff and Zoo animal management staff (non-ZSM). Onsite coordinator for yearly summer stage commencement including stage build and sunshade installation together with the Arts Education Manager.
• Facilitate and support positive internal communications and organizational culture.
• Represent the Society and Education Department on Zoo grounds, community events, and with partner organizations.
• Respect and maintain all work areas so they are presentable for Zoo guests, funders, and other ZSM or MCZ employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in education or theater arts (formal, informal, environmental, etc.) or related field (e.g., non-profit management, conservation, wildlife biology, zoology, etc.)
• At least one year of experience working in an administrative role that required significant organization, attention to detail and customer service responsibilities.
• Proven ability to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; Spanish or second language fluency a plus.
• Familiarity with Tessitura a plus.
• One year of experience in professional production or stage management experience.
• Professional or educational experience in theatrical design and fabrication (costumes, set, puppets, props, sound, etc.)
• Experience with a touring theater company, theatre for young audiences or outdoor theater a plus.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Q-lab software (both audio and video), OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or SCS (Show Cue System).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency in additional collaboration platforms (e.g., Smartsheet) and/or resource scheduling tools strongly preferred.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and adequate car insurance, with the ability to frequently travel to program sites which may at times be out-of-town. Must have reliable transportation to the Milwaukee County Zoo and program sites.
• Ability to work flexible hours based upon performance requirements, including occasional weekend, late afternoon, and/or pre-designated holiday hours.
• Proven ability to work independently and in teams.
• Proven ability to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently to meet deadlines.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Zoo have adopted a joint strategic plan, committing to a shared vision and mission. As part of that strategic plan, we believe our Zoo can be a thriving public space for all the diverse communities who make our region great. We bring people together around the issues they care about most, while continuing to be a zoo for all by intentionally creating an inclusive culture that welcomes and celebrates the full diversity of our community.

We apply values of Accountability, Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, Empathy, Fun and Respect to policies, procedures, practices and systems that shape our daily work culture.

We believe that our Zoo coalition, our animals, and our community stand to benefit when our people are fulfilled in their day-to-day roles and have the opportunity to continue growing and developing as professionals and contributors to our mission, vision, and values. We value our team members for who they are and commit to treating all people with respect and dignity all the time. We believe being a zoo for all is integral to our work in care and conservation.

The Society provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources department at hr@zoosociety.org .