Description

Position Purpose

The Director Communications organizes and manages all aspects of marketing, communications and events for the Virginia Zoo. This position focuses on the practical application of marketing techniques, marketing resources and activities, as well as event programming and strategies. Responsibilities include influencing the level, timing, and composition of client and customer demand and to create effective and cost-efficient marketing strategies and events that support the core mission of the Zoo and the community in which it operates. The role of this position can vary based on the needs of the Zoo and its non-profit governing board. 

Position reports to Zoo Assistant Director

Essential Marketing Functions

• Oversee the research, development, and implementation of media plan and organize media buys based on goals and objectives.
• Plan, organize and purchase all advertising media and provide monthly reporting on results.
• Develop and implement the marketing communications goal, objectives, strategies and tactics, including key messages, in support of business objectives, including maximizing organizational growth. 
• Maintain and promote the Zoo’s core missions and brand, building on the organization’s strengths.
• Manage the brand through use of visual elements and messaging in all printed, digital and on-site graphics and materials. 
• Oversee all organizational communications through news media, advertising, direct mail, email, the Zoo website, social media and app, maintaining consistent messaging across all communications channels.
• Establish and manages Zoo marketing and advertising budget. 
• Advise the Executive Director and Zoo leadership team regarding communications issues and implications of company policies and procedures.
• Work to improve the effectiveness of core marketing processes Zoo-wide, designing new processes when appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional and national vendors that provide marketing and communications-related services.
• Oversee organizational social media strategy and implementation.
• Oversee photography and videography needs.
• Provide internal communications to employees.
• Conduct surveys and other market research to obtain information used in developing or improving marketing communications campaigns and programs.
• Represent Zoo at regular marketing networking meetings locally.
• Edit and distribute all Zoo news releases, emphasizing applicable key messages.
• As part of the Zoo’s leadership team, help create and sustain the organization’s long-term competitive advantage among other regional family and cultural attractions.
• Coordinates, schedules and accompanies media engagements on Zoo grounds. 
• Measure department progress and publish monthly reports for the Zoological Society board.
• Assist with special projects and help other Zoo employees as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Design Functions

• Highly skilled in the use of computerized design processes (Mac based Adobe Creative Suite).
• Determine conceptual tactics of branding, advertising and communication initiatives.
• Produce design solutions to meet the visual, branding and communication needs of the Virginia Zoo. 
• Design all marketing print and web advertising.
• Create and assemble images and graphics to produce designs for websites, print media, product design, displays and productions.
• Direct marketing design projects, collaborating with multiple departments.

Essential Events Functions

• Oversees all aspects of the Events Departments; works in coordination with the Development, Education, Animal Services and Membership Departments. Facilitate cooperation and communication between all departments.
• Prepares and manages budget for the Events Department and provides oversight to ensure managers stay on track. 
• Oversees planning of all Zoo special events and group sales (private rentals), ranging from small lecture events with catering to concert events, birthday parties and multi-day zoo-wide events, like ZooBoo.
• Participates in and assists in the coordination of donor cultivation events and tours, including opening ceremonies and parties.

Management/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manages Marketing Department two direct reports
• Manages Events Department of one supervisor with two direct reports and part-time seasonal staff as needed.
• Perform specific research/investigation into operational issues, as requested. 
• Ability to prioritize and delegate responsibilities when necessary; possess effective time-management skills.

Requirements

Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or associated field and five years’ progressive experience in the field.
• Animal knowledge or background preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of multiple communications disciplines. 
• Experience in buying media and executing marketing plans.
• Ability to research and analyze data, and provide recommendations. 
• Visibility requires maintaining a professional appearance and providing a positive company image to the public.
• Experience in staff training, process management, data analysis and forecasting, and personnel management.
• Ability to serve in every respect and at all times as a goodwill ambassador for the Virginia Zoological Society and the Virginia Zoo in contacts with new agencies, zoo visitors and the general public.
• Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and the public.
• Ability to think logically in order to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound business decisions.
• Ability to arrive to work on time and maintain a positive attendance record.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in website and social media management.

 At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of 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.