Public Relations and Content Development Manager

Benefits:

• Company parties
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Free uniforms
• Paid time off
• Training & development

 Lead the Stories That Move People to Protect the Planet! Immediate opening!

SUMMARY: Reporting to the VP, Marketing & Communications, the Public Relations (PR) & Content Development Manager advances the Zoo’s brand in awareness, reach, and public engagement through strategic communications, media relations, and content-driven digital engagement. This role is responsible for the development and execution of press and communication strategies, manages key media relationships, and ensures consistent, high‑quality messaging across channels, in conjunction with other marketing team members The manager leads the planning, production, and performance optimization of digital communications—including e‑newsletters and content campaigns—and provides strategic direction for social media in partnership with the Digital Marketing Specialist.This position serves as a functional lead within the department, establishing workflows, guiding content standards, and supporting organization‑wide communication priorities. Exceptional writing ability and expertise, creativity, strategic vision, sound judgment, social media/digital strategy experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects with cross‑functional teams in a dynamic environment are essential. Essential Duties:  Media & Public Relations Management

• Manage external communication of organizational priorities, news, press releases, and media pitching.
•  Continually identify PR and other earned-media opportunities, internally and externally (through partners and community stakeholders)
• Storytelling & Impact: Translate program work and field data into compelling stories that highlight impact to donors and the public.
• Craft high‑quality press releases, media advisories, story pitches, and communication materials.
•  Liaise and collaborate with in-house digital media specialist and photographer to package press releases with video, photos (or other multimedia).
•  Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and community communication partners.
•  Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide insights and recommendations to leadership.

 Digital & Multi-channel Campaigns: 

• Lead planning, content direction, and editorial workflow for recurring e‑newsletters and digital communication campaigns.
• Oversee distribution strategy, audience segmentation, and message optimization.
• Analyze campaign performance, report insights to leadership, and adjust strategy to drive engagement and growth.
• Execute all copywriting needs for e-newsletters
•  Liaise with all departments to plan and execute content (e.g, Education, Animal Care, Membership)
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• Social Media Content Development / Strategy & Collaboration
•  In collaboration with Digital Marketing Specialist, develop social media strategy, priorities, and content direction to broaden reach and align with organizational goals and vision.
• Ensure social content aligns with brand voice, institutional goals, and campaign timelines.
•  Assist in monitoring engagement trends and provide strategic recommendations to increase reach and impact.
• Create and compose captions, story ideas for innovative campaigns that strengthen brand awareness, community connection, and strategic positioning. 

Department Leadership & Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Serve as a functional leader within the marketing team, helping establish best practices, workflows, and communication standards.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure messaging consistency and support organizational initiatives.
• Provide strategic support to the VP of Marketing & Communications on department priorities, communication planning, and project execution.
• Oversee management of marketing assets, ensuring efficient organization and accessibility across teams.
• Project & Team Management: Overseeing editorial calendars, managing external vendors and consultants, and directly supervising staff, including providing professional development. 

SECONDARY DUTIESGeneral

• Contribute to organization‑wide strategic initiatives and culture building.
• Promote and practice inclusivity, equity, and belonging in all communications and collaborations.
• Stay informed about industry trends through AZA participation, conferences, and professional development.
• Support institutional events, public programs, fundraising campaigns, and community initiatives.
• Model conservation values and sustainable pract