Marketing & Digital Specialist - Virginia Zoological Society : Job Details

Job Type Full-time Description The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901, is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop. The Digital & Marketing Specialist at the Virginia Zoo contributes to the success of marketing campaigns and visual collateral needs. D&M Specialists partner 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. Duties/Responsibilities: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.
• Assist with editing and maintaining editorial calendars, media databases 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.
• Assist with managing the Virginia Zoo's media file database.
• Any additional duties as assigned.

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.
• Free Behind-The-Scenes tour.

Requirements 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/Marketing firm and/or tourism or animal-related organization preferred.
• Experience with print, broadcast, and online mediums, including social and mobile media channels.

Physical 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.

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status. The Virginia Zoo is a drug free workplace. Salary Description $19.00 - $20.50