Job Description

Description: The Virginia Zoo is looking to welcome a Marketing & Digital Specialist to the team! The Marketing & Digital Specialist supports the key functions of the Virginia Zoo\xe2\x80\x99s Marketing Department by helping with the fundamentals as well as special projects to retain and build communications of the organization. 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.

• Monitor and update Zoo content on the website to include all areas of the Zoo (including education, events, programs, animal information and horticulture).
• Assist 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, write and edit content for the Zoo\xe2\x80\x99s app.
• Manage and create weekly all-staff email.
• Manage Zoo\xe2\x80\x99s 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.
• Assist with planning/working of events as necessary.
• Assist Director of Communication in office tasks such as mailings, billings, etc.
• Execute photography needs on grounds and during events.
• Manage photography database.

• 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, MailChimp and WordPress and project management and collaboration tools such as Trello, Google Docs, Dropbox, and others.

• College graduate with degree/concentration in communications, marketing, advertising, or public relations.
• Preferred experience working at PR firm and/or tourism or animal-related organization.
• Experience/familiarity with print, broadcast, and online mediums, including social and mobile media channels.