Job: Entertainment Coordinator

Oversee and coordinate the planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and coordinating company-wide entertainment which includes special features, guest activities, supply procurement, group sales coordination, birthday parties, and team building. Manage the Kalahari Kids Member program, including the seasonal newsletter and daily/weekly schedule of activities.
Research cost comparison for expenses of special events and make purchases.
Schedule labor as required by anticipated business activity while ensuring that all positions are staffed when and as needed and labor cost objectives are met.
Exercise discretion and independent judgment in selection of delivery of guest activities.
Book live entertainment, costumed characters for holiday events, coordinate company functions, plan children, family, and adult activities along with other major resort-wide special events and functions.
Train and schedule hired costume characters and their assistants.
Supervise and direct seasonal interns and/or assistants and other associates.
Record attendance, conduct communication meetings, reviews, disciplinary action, and rewards to Associates when applicable.
Manage Disc Jockeys within the resort.
Be a costume character for Christmas, 4th of July, and Halloween.
Maintain care of Elephant Mascot costume: wash weekly, brush, prepare for travel, mend, proper packaging when mailing, battery and charger, and maintain ice pack vest and collar.
Maintain care of Associate who wears Elephant costume: assist in dressing and undressing, travel with character to off property sites, make sure they are hydrated, and insure their safety during their work.
Work with outside costume companies when necessary.
Chair special events committee to inform managers and coordinates promotional techniques/information and upcoming events.
Interview and hire vendors or costume characters (Santa, clowns, etc.)
Attend performances of entertainment and view DVD’s or online shows for quality control.
Complete and send lawyer-approved contracts to entertainers for special events.
Write purchase orders, contracts, check requests, gift card orders, and waterpark tickets and arrange trades.
Know and train how to use equipment to carry out tasks: (copier, laminator, paper cutter, steamer, helium, popcorn machine, karaoke machine, etc.)
Know how to and train on all activities and events.
Coordinate with Group Sales for client requested entertainment.
Train group sales staff in team building and group initiatives.
Conduct games, arts and crafts, contests, competitions and events, record guest attendance, and give out prizes and awards to guests for participating.
Create program/activity weekly signage, samples of arts and crafts for guests to view activities, displays and guest activities guide for special events (such as Kalahari Idol Competition).
Coordinate advertising and marketing for upcoming special events that coincide and compliment resort marketing and public relations departments.
Provide event/activity photos to marketing along with the permission forms signed by any guests that participate.
Provide the website designer with guest activities, holiday celebrations, promotions, and special events. This must include advanced dates, times, and descriptions.
Inform department heads of changes and additions to special events when applicable.
Remain fluid and flexible in functions as requirements change based on growth and needs of Resort.
Setup, decorate, take down, and clean up for activities, events and holidays.
Manage all birthday party rooms and staff.
Fully understand and comply with all federal, state, county and municipal regulations that pertain to health, safety and labor requirements of the associates and guests.
Exercise discretion and independent judgment in selection and delivery of guest activities.
Assist with the coordination of company functions, children, family, and adult activities along with any other major resort-wide special event or function.
Implementation of corporate and other group activities.
Assist with creating signage, displays and guests activities.
Keep budgets and check book current on purchases and entertainment bookings.
Attend scheduled meetings for management, planning committees and training.
Respond verbally and through email to guest’s requests and concerns.
Take guests on tours of the resort or Kondos
Print and display Kondo information for all guests
Promote areas of the resort to guests and be knowledgeable of areas such as, but not limited to; Spa, Waterpark, Pottery Pizzazz, Candy stores, Restaurants, Kiosks, Retail stores, special venues such as Safari Adventure.
Attend all holiday and special events and associate parties.
Present and participate in the Daily Promise Meetings and/or assign another leader or associate to conduct the meetings daily.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in recreation management, marketing, entertainment promotion or related field preferred or two years relevant work experience preferred.

LICENSE/PERMITS REQUIRED: Valid driver’s license required.

REQUIRED SKILLS: General knowledge of recreation management, entertainment promotion, and implementation for all ages preferred. Skilled in oral and written communication is required. Advanced marketing, advertising, and art skills are extremely helpful but not required. Public speaking skills are desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTER HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE:
Possess excellent basic math skills and have the ability to operate a cash register or POS System.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
5+ years of management experience in hotel, resort or recreation program environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possible work exerting up to 50 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours). Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays and extended hours.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly.
Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying the issues raised by Associates, Supervisors, Department Heads, Senior Management, and guests.
Must be able to adapt to a broad range of customer interactions, inquiries, and complaints.
Must be able to make independent decisions while maintaining strong ethical standards consistent with company policy, rules and the ability to maintain confidential information.