Website and Digital Design Specialist

Description

Application Process

Applicants must submit a resume and a portfolio that includes 3–5 examples of recent work demonstrating both website and digital design experience.

We would especially like to see live websites or web pages you have created, campaign landing pages, digital advertising or social media assets, and other relevant examples. For each example, briefly describe your role, the project goal, key design or technical decisions, tools or platforms used, and any measurable results or improvements.

Pay range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $29.08 - $32.41 per hour . An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy.

Position Summary

The Website & Digital Design Specialist plays a key role in advancing Oakland Zoo’s marketing and communications goals by managing the Zoo’s website, supporting digital design needs, and creating engaging online experiences that connect audiences to the Zoo’s mission, programs, events, and conservation work.

This position is responsible for implementing website strategy, maintaining accurate and timely web content, creating and updating web pages, monitoring website performance, and coordinating with internal teams, IT, web development partners, and vendors to improve user experience and support campaign goals. They will also support the Lead Graphic Designer in creating digital design elements such as digital ads and digital screen signage to support the Lead Graphic Designer. The ideal candidate brings experience with website publishing platforms and professional graphic design, proficiency with digital design tools, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple creative and technical projects at once.

Essential Job Duties

Website Management

• Implement website strategy in alignment with Oakland Zoo’s marketing and communications goals.
• Manage Oakland Zoo’s website, including conceptualizing and creating pages, maintaining the content management system, and ensuring the website is accurate and up to date.
• Partner with Lead Graphic Designer to ensure the website is consistent with brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with the web development team or vendors on website improvements and experience optimization.
• Implement conversion rate optimization strategies including landing page testing and funnel analysis.
• Monitor website performance (including tracking pixels, tags, and analytics), troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with IT on technical needs.
• Establish a project request system for website updates and new content.

Digital Design:

• Support the Lead Graphic Designer in maintaining and evolving the Zoo’s visual identity, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints, including digital marketing materials, web, social media graphics, digital screen content in the Zoo, presentations, and email marketing templates.
• Support the Lead Graphic Designer to create web, social, and digital advertising assets for large campaigns.
• Conceptualize, develop, and execute digital creative projects aligned with the Oakland Zoo’s brand and strategic goals in the digital landscape.
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, establishing timelines, managing resources, and ensuring all milestones are met on schedule and within budget, under the leadership of the Director of Marketing and Communications.
• Stay current with design trends, techniques, and technologies; propose new ideas and approaches to enhance visual storytelling and audience engagement.
• Work with the Digital Content Specialist to oversee photo and video shoots as needed for digital campaigns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Who you are:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, which must include a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in graphic design. A Bachelor’s may be considered equivalent to 3 years of relevant experience, and an Associate’s may be considered equivalent to 2 years of relevant experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience creating, implementing and maintaining web pages with WordPress, Drupal, or other website publishing and management platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), as well as proficiency in After Effects, Premiere Pro, or similar software.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a variety of work, including branding, digital, and environmental design.
• Strong understanding of typography, color theory, composition, and user experience.
• Creative, curious, and passionate about storytelling through visual means.
• Available for occasional evening or weekend work during peak campaign periods

Bonus if you have:

• Proven experience managing creative projects from concept to completion.
• Familiarity with environmental graphics, wayfinding, accessibility standards, and sustainability in design
• Nonprofit, cultural attractions, or tourism industry experience
• Experience with conversion rate optimization and A/B testing tools
• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field
• Comfort with photography, video editing, and content creation

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Primarily office-based with occasional Oakland Zoo grounds visits
• Standard business hours with some flexibility
• Limited remote work may be available after an evaluation period and is dependent on ongoing performance assessments

Physical Considerations - The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Sustained computer-based administrative and analytical work, using standard or assistive technology for extended periods every day
• Ability to navigate Zoo grounds

Knowledge/Skills/Qualities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Analytical and Conceptual Aptitude – engages in and facilitates broad organizational strategic thinking/planning with awareness of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and cultural relevance
• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Data Analysis – able to collect, interpret and detect patterns in clean data
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture – fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Project management – effectively prioritizes commitments, driving forward multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously with flexibility, resourcefulness, and agility to adapt to shifting organizational needs
• Relationship-Building – able to build and maintain trusting relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Self-motivated – effectively navigates multiple, simultaneous tasks with excellent attention to detail and deadlines. Enthusiastically identifies and approaches opportunities without regular supervision
• Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Wildlife Aware – understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package which begins on 1st of the month following the date of hire. The package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, optional 403b retirement plan, Paid Time Off, Employee Assistance Program, and Zoo Membership options.