Director of Marketing

We are committed to saving wildlife in wild places. Our mission is to help create connections between our guests and animals to inspire awe and action on behalf of wildlife. Every employee at Palm Beach Zoo contributes to our wildlife-saving mission. We work with local conservation partners in Florida as well as assist with international programs in Africa and Central America. Palm Beach Zoo is also proud to have our own coral conservation dive team. Our programs extend well beyond our lush, 23-acre property. We believe that anyone can be a wildlife hero. Whoever you are, wherever you are from, you are welcome here.

 Position Summary

• The Director of Marketing will build upon and lead the organization’s comprehensive marketing strategies for increasing revenue to support significant and continued organizational growth.
• This person will lead the execution of our marketing campaigns, corporate sponsorships, internal communications, data collection and public relations.
• Previous attraction experience with emphasis on zoos and/or aquariums is an important aspect of this position.
• Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing, the position will work in partnership with the leadership team on formulating and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance and protect the Zoo’s brand and image.
• These include maintaining positive media relationships; growing positive publicity and social media outreach; and disseminating timely and appropriate information to key audiences.
• Collaboration with all departments around the Zoo is essential.

 Essential Position Functions

• Executes creative, ad buy and all media strategies.
• Utilizes previous attractions experience to create attendance growth strategies.
• Works with corporate and non-profit partners to find new avenues for our messaging.
• Works as our public and media relations lead by maintaining relationships with local and national media. Maintains a media database. Having a working rolodex of relevant media is a plus.
• Creates and executes media and public relations strategies to build brand and community awareness.
• Represents the Zoo at community events, sponsorship activations and on site marketing activations and events.
• Manages day-to-day media relations and is consistently amplifying our mission-based story to the public through earned media placements and owned content such as press releases.
• Develops media materials as needed to support our media relations and PR strategies.
• Manages internal communications for all staff content at the Zoo. This includes developing and maintaining an internal communication process for staff.
• Contributes to the crisis communication plan as our media and PR liaison.
• Cultivate new press and media opportunities to expand the Zoo’s reach through strong program ideas and partnerships.
• Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with Zoo staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Prepare all messaging, newsletters, media statements and press
• Provide critical demographic data to management staff to enhance decision-making
• Responsible for timely, relevant data reporting on all aspects of our marketing campaigns.
• Keeps a comprehensive cost tracking, invoice and contract system for all marketing costs and participates in the annual budgeting process.
• Keeps a close eye on all brand assets and helps to oversee the health and consistency of the brand as materials go to the public and media
• Establishes data on member and customer insights for our campaigns.
• Accommodate a flexible schedule to attend Zoo and community events that often occur on weekends and evenings
• Oversees and executes all grant applications and required reporting for the department

 Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or other related field
• Previous attraction experience within a Zoo and Aquarium extremely preferred.
• A minimum of five years (5) of related professional experience, preferably with a non- profit organization
• Must be able to adapt to new challenges and is willing to dive in and help on all aspects on marketing for the marketing team
• Must be a strategic planner and thinker and have a creative mind
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment and demonstrate passion for our mission
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact positively with all levels of the organization
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

 Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to work a schedule which includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions in South Florida
• Must be able to stand and walk for a moderate period.
• Ability to work outside in South Florida in the field to support local conservation efforts.

 Skills and Competencies

• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on marketing needs in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups in a professional manner; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; strong writing and editing skills for a variety of audiences.
• Integrity/Trust — Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Diversity and Inclusion – Demonstrates behaviors that includes fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, and ethical conduct. Fosters a climate and culture in which each person is accepted and has the opportunity to grow and develop. Practices behaviors that promote diversity and inclusion in dealings with and on behalf of the Zoo, consistent with laws, regulations, and Zoo policies.
• Planning and organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the zoo; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that participate changes in the work environment.
• Decisiveness—Willing to make quick decisions and take immediate action.
• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with team members, volunteers, and guests. Actively listens, anticipates, and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary, commensurate with your skills and experience
• An EXCELLENT benefits package (current year/plan), which includes:
• 100% paid employee level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
• 100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
• 100% paid short-term disability
• 100% paid long-term disability
• 401K – Employer contributes 3% of your salary
• Optional vision, accident and critical illness coverages available through pre-tax payroll deductions
• Generous paid time off policy, Zoo Membership and FREE admission to other Florida Attractions!
•  The position will be open until filled.  We will contact qualified candidates whom we have chosen to move forward in the interview process.
• Palm Beach Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training and promotion without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

 Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access (IDEA) Commitment

• Our Mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.
• We recognize that the only way to accomplish our mission is to include all people across all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, mental/physical abilities, and sexual orientations. Just as we value biodiversity, we recognize and appreciate the value of human diversity as being integral to our ability to connect with our visitors and the communities we serve.

Experience Required

• Minimum 5 years professional experience

Perks

• Great benefits, collaborative culture of conservation and positive growth

Salary

• Commensurate with experience