Job Description
Job DescriptionBenefits:
- Company parties
- Employee discounts
- Free uniforms
- Paid time off
- Wellness resources
Reporting to the VP, Marketing & Communications, the Marketing Specialist supports the development, execution, and optimization of integrated marketing initiatives that advance organizational goals.
Reporting to the VP, Marketing & Communications, this role is responsible for managing day-to-day campaign execution, contributing to strategic planning, and ensuring high-quality delivery across marketing channels.
The Marketing Specialist brings hands-on marketing experience, strong project management skills, and the ability to translate strategic direction into effective, results-driven tactics. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can independently manage projects while also supporting broader team needs to ensure overall marketing efficiency and success. Exceptional writing skills, creativity, strategic vision, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects with crossfunctional teams in a dynamic environment are essential.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Campaign Execution & Management:
Manage the day-to-day execution of multi-channel marketing campaigns across digital, social, email, and print. Support campaign planning by contributing ideas and insights, and ensure timely, accurate delivery of all campaign components aligned with strategic direction set by leadership.
Digital & Social Media Strategy & Management:
Own the strategy and execution of social media and digital content under the purview of the Digital Media Specialist, including content creation, scheduling, publishing, and community engagement. Monitor performance and provide regular reporting and recommendations to improve effectiveness.
Content Development & Brand Alignment:
Develop and adapt marketing content across channels, ensuring consistency with brand voice, messaging, and visual standards. Collaborate with internal teams to translate priorities into compelling, audience- focused content.
Performance Tracking & Optimization:
Track and analyze campaign and channel performance. Prepare reports on KPIs and provide actionable insights and recommendations to optimize future marketing efforts.
Event Marketing:
Support the promotion and execution of events through coordinated marketing efforts, including event strategy, branding, campaign support, and ongoing development.
Cross-Functional Project Management:
Partner with internal departments to manage timelines, gather inputs, and ensure projects move efficiently from concept to completion. Maintain clear communication and alignment across stakeholders. Coordinate logistics with external vendors, media partners, and production teams to support campaign execution, content creation, and on-site activities such as filming and media visits.
Team & Operational Support:
Provide ongoing operational and administrative support to the VP, Marketing & Communications and broader marketing team to ensure smooth day-to-day function. This includes managing schedules and calendars, coordinating meetings, organizing assets and marketing materials, maintaining databases, and assisting with ad hoc projects and priority initiatives as needed.
SECONDARY DUTIES
General
Contributes to organizationwide strategic initiatives and culture building.
Promotes and practices inclusivity, equity, and belonging in all communications and collaborations.
Stays informed about industry trends through AZA participation, conferences, and professional development.
Supports institutional events, public programs, fundraising campaigns, and community initiatives.
Models conservation values and sustainable practices.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Guest Relations
Warmly greets guests and expresses appreciation for their visit.
Responds promptly to phone, voicemail, and email inquiries.
Maintains work areas to Zoo cleanliness and safety standards.
Assists guests with information and responds to concerns per Zoo procedures.
Adheres to uniform and appearance guidelines.
Exemplifies Guest Relations principles, Core Values, and the Employee Pledge.
Applies sustainable practices whenever possible.
POSITION CRITERIA
Education & Experience
Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field preferred.
25 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or digital strategy.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute communication plans, write press materials, and manage digital content.
Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar) and performance analytics.
Strong background in social media strategy, content planning, or community engagement.
Proven ability to lead crossfunctional projects in a fastpaced environment with multiple deadlines.
Prior experience supporting or advising senior leadership on communications strategy is strongly preferred.
Experience in nonprofit or missiondriven environments is beneficial but not required.
Track record of contributing to measurable outcomes, such as audience growth, engagement, and brand visibility.
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications
Successful completion of a Department of Justice LiveScan background check.
Valid drivers license with good driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.
Professional knowledge of marketing principles, digital and social media platforms, analytics, and brand strategy
Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable working style.
Strategic thinker capable of translating complex goals into actionable strategies
Skilled in partnership building, media relations, and community engagement
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessible storytelling
High emotional intelligence, resilience, and integrity
Relationship cultivation skills with media and other Zoo partners.
Ability to work successfully in open, shared work environment.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Ability to work in and promote a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented environment
Ability to attend meetings and events on and off Zoo grounds, including evenings and weekends as required
Ability to access all Zoo facilities and areas, occasionally outdoors and in variable conditions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the President & Chief Executive Officer, or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission from the President & Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.