The Communications Specialist manages both internal and external communications to elevate the Memphis Zoo’s brand and mission. This role promotes a positive public image, oversees media and community relations, and ensures consistent, timely messaging across all platforms. Through clear, creative storytelling and strategic outreach, the Communications Specialist drives guest engagement, supports special events and initiatives, and strengthens community partnerships that advance the Zoo’s conservation and education goals.
Essential Job Functions:
- Develop and implement communication strategies that support the Zoo’s mission, brand, and goals.
- Manage internal communications, including memos, newsletters, and organizational announcements.
- Write and edit content for press releases, blogs, donor and member messaging, advertisements, and digital platforms.
- Coordinate media relations, including press inquiries, interviews, and coverage opportunities.
- Plan and execute media events, community activations, and press conferences.
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners, sponsors, and key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to produce cohesive, engaging campaigns.
- Monitor and report on communication performance metrics, including media reach, engagement, and sentiment.
- Support crisis communication and reputation management with timely, transparent messaging.
- Serve as a liaison between leadership and staff to ensure alignment of internal and external messaging.
- Represent the Zoo at community events to strengthen public awareness and partnerships.
- Stay informed on trends in nonprofit communications, conservation storytelling, and audience engagement.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications or related field.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Two or more years of professional experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or nonprofit marketing.
- Proven ability to craft clear, engaging written content for press releases, blogs, campaigns, and internal communications.
- Experience leading public communication initiatives that build brand awareness through media, partnerships, and community engagement.
- Familiarity with wildlife, conservation, or tourism industries a plus.
Competencies
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and creative tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or comparable photo/video editing software.
- Strong organizational skills, including recordkeeping and report preparation.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with professionalism under pressure.
- Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a positive, adaptable attitude.
Supervisory Responsibility:
- This position has no direct reports.
Reporting Structure:
- Reports to Marketing and Communications Manager.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
- Full-time salary positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week.
- This position regularly requires weekend work.
- This position is considered exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Work Environment:
- While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (office or behind-the-scenes environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds).
- When outdoors this position may work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires frequent sitting and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 20 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties:
- Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
- 21 years or older.
- Clear background check.
- Clear drug screening.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Clear MVR screening.
- Proof of current automobile insurance.
- Benefits & Perks
- The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
- The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
- We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
- The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer.
- Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
- The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
- All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
- Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Salary
- 45,000
