Marketing & Digital Specialist

$37,440 - $42,640/Yr

Virginia Zoological Society - Norfolk, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Norfolk, VA

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions

About the position

Founded in 1901, the Virginia Zoo 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, featuring an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, three classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop. The Virginia Zoo is committed to engaging our community to take action to save the world's wildlife and their ecosystems. The Marketing team at the Virginia Zoo is looking to welcome a Marketing & Digital Specialist to the team! As a Marketing & Digital Specialist at the Virginia Zoo, you will contribute to the success of marketing campaigns and visual collateral needs. This role involves partnering with and supporting various Zoo departments to effectively communicate the mission of the Virginia Zoo to its audience. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that reports to the Director of Communications. In this position, you will be responsible for a variety of essential functions, including public relations, website management, and general marketing tasks. You will write press releases, outreach to media outlets, and assist in identifying community partners for promotional work. Additionally, you will monitor and update Zoo content on the website, manage social media accounts, and create email newsletters. Your role will also involve writing promotional copy for collateral, generating creative ideas to raise brand awareness, and assisting with event planning and execution. You will be expected to execute photography and videography needs on grounds and during events, as well as manage the media file database. This position requires a proactive approach and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• 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 inquiries.
• Act as representative and spokesperson in various media channels as assigned by the Director of Communications.
• Monitor and update Zoo content on the website to include all areas of the Zoo.
• 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.
• Write promotional copy for collateral including 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 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.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience with 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.
• Bachelor's Degree with degree/concentration in communications, marketing, advertising, or public relations, or equivalent experience in a 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.

Nice-to-haves

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

Benefits

• Disability insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• 15 Paid holidays
• Generous amount of PTO
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement plan offered following a 60-day probationary period.
• Free Zoo membership.
• Discounts in the gift shop and restaurants.
• Behind-The-Scenes tour.