The Marketing team at the Virginia Zoo is looking to welcome a Marketing & Digital Specialist to the team! As Digital & Marketing Specialist at the Virginia Zoo, you will contribute to the success of marketing campaigns and visual collateral needs. Marketing & Digital Specialists partner with and support various Zoo departments to effectively communicate the mission of the Virginia Zoo to its audience.
- This is a full time, non-exempt position. This position reports to the Director of Communications.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Public Relations
- Write press releases as instructed by the Director of Communication.
- Outreach to media outlets, organizations, associations, and interest groups to obtain media highlights for Virginia Zoo.
- Assist in identifying community partners for photo shoots, editorials, and promotional work.
- Scan monthly zoo and aquarium publications for Virginia Zoo mentions for Marketing updates.
- Respond to incoming media related inquires.
- Act as representative and spokesperson in various media channels as assigned by the Director of Communications.
- Website/Online
- Monitor and update Zoo content on the website to include all areas of the Zoo (including education, events, programs, animal information and horticulture).
- Assist in maintaining all Zoo social media accounts.
- Establish and maintain editorial calendars, media database and community calendars.
- Research and write blog posts for all Zoo departments.
- Manage and create email newsletters and promotions
- Manage Zoo’s general email account.
General
- Write promotional copy for collateral including, but not limited to brochures, flyers, and ads, to be approved by the Director of Communication.
- Help create and write content for quarterly member newsletter, covering Zoo news and important industry topics.
- Help generate creative ideas to raise brand awareness.
- Distribute marketing collateral, which may include informational flyers, brochures, and business cards.
- Creation of media collateral.
- Assist with planning/working of events as necessary. (Including but limited to weekends and evenings)
- Assist Director of Communication in office tasks such as mailings, billings, etc.
- Execute photography and videography needs on grounds and during events during regular operating hours, as well as occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
- Manage media file database.
- Any additional duties as assigned.
Experience Required
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines with multiple projects ongoing.
- Excellent writer with strong media relations and pitching skills.
- Ability to be a self-starter, creative thinker, and team player. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Constant Contact, and WordPress and project management and collaboration tools such as Trello, Google Docs, Dropbox, and others.
- Experience with creative tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and CapCut preferred.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree with degree/concentration in communications, marketing, advertising, or public relation, or equivalent experience in related field.
- Experience working at a PR firm and/or tourism or animal-related organization preferred.
- Experience with print, broadcast, and online mediums, including social and mobile media channels.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner.
- Ability to work in a team environment or alone for extended periods of time.
- Able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Yearly TB test required.
Perks
- Perks For working at the Virginia Zoo! Positive, fun atmosphere.
- 15 Paid holidays Generous amount of PTO Comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement plan are offered following a 60-day probationary period. Free Zoo membership.
- Discounts in the gift shop and restaurants. Behind-The-Scenes tour.
Salary
- $18.50-$20.50 hourly