Director of Marketing

If you are ready for a career change that utilizes your marketing skills in a dynamic mission-based conservation organization, this might be your dream job.  Protect nature and inspire people to care for our world by bringing your leadership and strategic marketing skills to the Director of Marketing role.

• The Zoo is seeking an experienced Director of Marketing with a background in attraction or visitor-based organizations. 
• The ideal candidate will have proven ability to deliver profitability and to design, implement and monitor effective marketing strategies that align with our mission and business goals.
• In this role, you’ll be responsible for advertising, marketing events, sponsorships, promotions, and sales.
• Through successful management of five direct reports, clear goal setting and project oversite, the director is expected to achieve revenue growth of at least $4 million from sales and sponsorships, drive attendance to exceed annual goal of 1.2 million visitors, grow profitability, and create a sustainable short and long-term growth plan for the department.
• The Director will develop and implement audience development strategies, income-generating opportunities, enhance/expand existing events and promotions by applying research insights, performance media, digital / web engagement, data and analytics.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and implements a comprehensive marketing plan for growth including advertising, facility sales, sponsorship and public events.
• Develops and manages department budgets and Business Plans.
• Provides supervision, technical guidance and operational assistance to marketing staff.
• Designs and implements marketing staff commission and bonus plans.
• Analyzes and evaluates marketing/sales actives and trends. Present reports to leadership on a regular basis.
• Serves as a key member of the Special Event Team whose role is to provide overall artistic vision for special events. Supports attendance and overall event revenue including revenue from third party vendors.
• Responsible for identifying and analyzing key business metrics and disseminating information to Zoo leadership to inform strategic and tactical decision making.
• Works closely with Zoo leadership on setting attendance and revenue targets and determining pricing strategy for the institution.
• Coordinates institutional research efforts.  Develops, conducts, analyzes and distributes results on visitor surveys and annual market research projects.
• Obtains and manages any external contractors.
• Negotiates and maintains advertising and promotion media agreements.
• Is responsible for obtaining and managing any external contractors such as an advertising agency. Negotiates and maintains advertising and promotion media agreements.
• Oversees the Zoo’s marketing databases ensuring that the information is accurate.
• Responsible for development and distribution of collateral material and publications including maps, informational brochures and advertising materials.
• Works with the public relations director to create new exhibit introductions and activities.  Also, works with other department directors to market and advance program visibility and sales.
• Works closely with institutional advancement staff to coordinate sponsorship solicitation and relationships.
• Ensures compliance with laws and regulations governing marketing efforts (SPAM, GDPR, private customer information).
• Responsible for development and distribution of collateral material and publications including maps, informational brochures and advertising materials.
• Maintains strong contacts within the industry and community. Stays abreast of best practices and emerging industry trends.

KEY COMPONENTS:

• Relationship Management— Must bring excellent collaboration and networking skills – especially demonstrated skills at building partnerships.
• Must be confident and politically astute in interactions with the general public, members, corporate partners, and other industry experts.
• High EQ.
• Planning and Organization— Integrates changes smoothly.
• Plans for additional resources.
• Prioritizes and plans work activities.
• Sets goals and objectives.
• Uses time efficiently.
• Works in an organized manner.
• Strategic Thinking – Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Analyzes market and competition.
• Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals.
• Identifies external opportunities.
• Understands organizations strengths and weaknesses.
• Project and People Management—Possess extensive experience in the management, supervision, and development of staff and the assessment of resource needs and their fulfillment.
• Demonstrates strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Must have demonstrated experience in the implementation of plans into action, process management, problem solving, and the completion of quality outcomes/products on schedule.
• Innovation— Must have demonstrated success in entrepreneurial risk taking.
• Must be savvy and know when to use technical know-how and where to look for solutions.
• Must be creative and resourceful in identifying solutions.
• Integrity and Dependability— Must embody high ethical standards and values, be a team player and own up to mistakes as well as successes.
• Commits to doing the best job possible.
• Keeps commitments.
• Follows through on directives.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Technological Aptitude —Exhibits a high degree of knowledge and experience with information technology, including but not limited to association management systems and web technology.
• Adapts to new technologies.
• Demonstrates required skills.
• Keeps technical skills up to date.
• Troubleshoots technological problems.
• Uses technology to increase productivity.
• Teamwork —Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Gives and welcomes feedback. Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Puts success of team above own interests.
• Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
• Supports everyone 's efforts to succeed.
• Customer Service — Manages difficult or emotional customer situations.
• Responds promptly to customer needs. Solicits customer feedback to improve service.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Meets commitments.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Marketing, Communications or relevant field; MBA a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years work experience in marketing – preferably with a zoo, museum, or amusement park.
• At least 2 years’ experience of managing direct reports.
• A successful track record of progressive marketing experience.
• Three years of experience with visitor-based marketing preferred with a background in advertising, sponsorship and sales required.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• The compensation for this role is competitive and is commensurate with experience.
• Please include your compensation requirement on the employment application, or include this information in your cover letter.