Communications Manager

This position possesses decision-making authority for the Utica Zoo and is a member of the leadership team who fosters a collaborative atmosphere amongst the entire zoo team. This person is responsible for delivering the zoo’s strategic plan strategy #3 Telling Our Story and communicating Utica Zoo Guiding Principle Culture of Care through internal and external communications. This manager is responsible for overseeing all marketing operations, social media, events, and overall providing the platform for the zoo’s storytelling. This dynamic position will require interaction and collaboration with the zoo’s board of directors, stakeholding partners and donors, all zoo departments’ managers and staff and, equally important, with the outside community. This position is Full Time: Hourly, non-exempt, benefit eligible, and will need to be flexible. Must be willing to work weekends and evenings as needed. Essential Duties, Skills, and Responsibilities: Public Relations and Marketing As the department manager liaison to the marketing committee, create and implement an annual communications and marketing plan; periodic review and updating will be required. Establish and drive communications, public relations, and marketing strategy. Maintain and protect the organization brand through imaging, graphic design, collateral materials, digital, and social media. Create and distribute press releases. Manage media relations and develop contacts with media throughout the community. Arrange for press at special events and announcements. Oversee and execute the creations of content and distribution of marketing materials including print and digital. Regular maintenance and updates of Utica Zoo website and website correspondence. Attend community events as leadership representation for the zoo. Act as a liaison between the Zoo and any financially and in-kind contracted marketing firms. Administrative Utilizing anecdotes, statistics and analytics, submit monthly reports for grant, board and annual reports. Support of membership program thru promotion and drives. Manage internal and external crisis communications plan Exemplifying leadership and mentoring regarding internal protocols, procedures and board policies. Carry out financial duties as designated. Act as senior management in the event that Executive Director and Director of Operations is off-grounds. Events Create and be responsible for comprehensive Events budget. Oversee the Events Coordinator position, and any positions reporting to Events Coordinator position. Oversee all logistics and planning of events and rentals. Oversee all volunteer coordination for events. Ensure sponsorship benefits are delivered and fulfilled & stewarded in confidential donor management database Coordinate and schedule all media (digital, print and paid) for pre-event, day of and post-event Development Assist director with community sponsorship development, solicitation, implementation and stewardship. Support executive director, grants writer and fund development committee in relationship building through storytelling, collateral materials and stewardship. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications & Education: Requirements: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise good judgment and tact. Strong work ethic, self-motivated, sense of professionalism and confidentiality. Extremely strong writing, presentation and organizational skills strong writing and speaking skills. Competence on Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, Trello, CRMs, Point-of-Sale systems, and other computer programs. Extreme organization, energy and the ability to multi task; the ability to interact with other staff, volunteers, and media and maintain a positive, up-beat attitude. Successful ability to negotiate cost contracts to benefit the Utica Zoo. Strategic and tactical orientation and balance with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. Solid, demonstrated financial and analytical skills. Strong interpersonal, communications, and organizational skills. Must be able to work under pressure, juggle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. Must be able to deal effectively and tactfully with all levels of staff, Board Members, vendors, and others. Education: Bachelor Degree in Marketing/Public Relations, Communications, or related field. 3-5 years experience in related field. 1-2 years of management experience. Physical Requirements: Valid Driver’s License and ability to operate zoo vehicles. Ability to lift 25 lbs. and participate in physical activities required of the position. Be able to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods. Ability to sit and type at a computer screen for long periods of time. Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday-Friday Some holidays Ability to commute/relocate: Utica, NY 13501: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Compensation and Benefits: Job Type: Full-time, non-exempt Pay: $47,840-52,000 (Salary range commensurate with experience) Employee assistance program Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Reciprocal admission to participating zoos, aquariums and other tourist attractions Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The Utica Zoo provides equal employment opportunities to all current employees and all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, natural origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Utica Zoo provides a smoke-free and drug-free work environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr