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Zoo Manager Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Guest Experience Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining ... Guest Services Manager and Assistant Guest Services Manager. Responsibilities * Perform the steps ...

Guest Experience Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining ... Guest Services Manager and Assistant Guest Services Manager. Responsibilities * Perform the steps ...

Guest Experience Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining ... Guest Services Manager and Assistant Guest Services Manager. Responsibilities * Perform the steps ...

Barista

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16/hr

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining ... Food Service Supervisor(s) and Manager(s) Responsibilities * Prepare coffee, tea and other ...

Radiologist - IR

Rochester, NY · On-site

$315K - $394K/yr

Professional activities are supported by a generous individually managed professional account. The ... These include art, science and children's museums, The George Eastman Museum, a zoo, top ...

Quality Technician

Newark, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Employees benefit from annual wage reviews and adjustments, as well as engaging events like on-site petting zoos. Your feedback is valued with a suggestion program that ensures management responses ...

New

Radiologist - IR

Rochester, NY · On-site

$520K - $570K/yr

Professional activities are supported by a generous individually managed professional account. The ... These include art, science and children's museums, The George Eastman Museum, a zoo, top ...

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Zoo Manager information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$197

$7.2K

How much do zoo manager jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average weekly pay for zoo manager in Rochester, NY is $772.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $386.42 and $898.67 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a zoo manager do?

A Zoo Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a zoo, ensuring the welfare of animals, and managing staff such as keepers, educators, and veterinarians. They coordinate animal care, develop and implement policies, manage budgets, and work to ensure the zoo meets all regulatory and safety standards. Zoo Managers may also be involved in conservation programs, public education initiatives, and community outreach. Their role requires strong leadership skills, knowledge of animal husbandry, and effective communication with various stakeholders.

What are some common challenges a zoo manager faces in balancing animal welfare with operational responsibilities?

Zoo Managers often navigate the complex balance between ensuring top-tier animal care and managing operational tasks such as budgeting, staffing, and guest services. Prioritizing animal welfare requires coordinating with veterinarians, curators, and keepers to maintain proper habitats and enrichment, while also handling logistical duties and regulatory compliance. A key challenge is making decisions that support both animal health and the zoo's financial sustainability, often requiring creative problem-solving and strong leadership. Collaboration with diverse teams is essential to address unforeseen issues quickly and maintain high standards across all areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Manager, you need expertise in animal care, facility operations, and staff management, typically supported by a degree in zoology, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, regulatory compliance systems, and budgeting tools is also important. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in managing teams and addressing the diverse challenges of running a zoo. These skills ensure animal welfare, regulatory adherence, and a positive experience for both staff and visitors.

How do you become a zoo manager?

To become a zoo manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or a related field, along with several years of experience working with animals or in zoo operations. Many zoo managers also pursue advanced degrees or certifications in animal management or conservation and develop strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Manager jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Zoo Manager jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Manager jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Manager jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Zoo Manager jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Zoo Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Zoo Manager job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,158 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Director of Marketing and Communications

Seneca Park Zoo Society

Rochester, NY • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Director of Marketing and Communications
Direct Supervisor: President & CEO
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000
Working Hours: Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As a senior leadership role, the Director of Marketing and Communications is expected to maintain flexibility to support evening and weekend events, early morning media opportunities, and other organizational needs as required.
Position Summary
Seneca Park Zoo Society is seeking an innovative, strategic, and results-driven Director of Marketing and Communications to help lead the organization through a historic period of growth, including the launch of a next-generation Tropics Center that will set a new standard for excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to shape and elevate the Zoo's brand, marketing, communications, and audience engagement strategies as Seneca Park Zoo expands its impact and visibility. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in positioning the Zoo as a premier regional destination and a globally recognized leader in wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement.
Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director of Marketing and Communications will develop and execute integrated marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategies that strengthen awareness, deepen audience engagement, increase visitation, and drive earned revenue. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with data-driven decision-making and brings expertise in audience analytics, consumer insights, market research, digital marketing, and brand management. This leader will leverage data and emerging trends to identify opportunities, optimize performance, and deliver measurable results that support the Zoo's mission and long-term growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Organizational Management
  • Lead, develop, and inspire the Marketing, Communications, and Membership teams to achieve organizational goals and advance the Zoo Society's mission.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and data-driven decision making.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with board of trustee members, community leaders, organizations, vendors, and stakeholders to expand and diversify the Zoo's audiences and community impact.
  • Develop and facilitate a Marketing/PR committee with to include board trustees.
  • Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance the Zoo's visibility, relevance, and value throughout the region.
  • Collaborate closely with the Resource Development and Learning & Engagement teams to support fundraising campaigns, special events, donor communications, and audience engagement initiatives.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO on communications, public messaging, and issues with potential external impact.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment and effective problem solving in both routine and high-profile situations, maintaining composure under pressure.
  • Champion the organization's commitment to leveraging audience insights, market research, and performance data to guide strategy and decision making.
  • Serve as the steward of the Seneca Park Zoo brand, ensuring consistency and excellence across all communications and marketing materials.
  • Support departments across the organization in creating engaging, mission-aligned, and brand-consistent experiences.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, printers, and service providers, ensuring exceptional quality, value, and return on investment.

Marketing & Communications
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategy that advances organizational priorities and drives measurable results.
  • Development and implementation of a five-year PR strategy in alignment with the Zoo Society's Long-Range Plan
  • Lead integrated marketing campaigns that increase attendance, membership, event participation, community engagement, and revenue growth.
  • Oversee the development of compelling content and communications across print, digital, social media, web, email, video, and other channels.
  • Direct the creation and execution of the Zoo-wide marketing plan, leveraging owned, earned, paid, and shared media to strengthen brand awareness and audience engagement.
  • Expand the Zoo's reach by identifying and engaging new and diverse audiences throughout the region and beyond.
  • Guide media relations strategy and cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
  • Elevate the visibility and reputation of Seneca Park Zoo Society through proactive storytelling, thought leadership, and strategic public relations efforts.
  • Ensure timely and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding organizational priorities, initiatives, conservation efforts, programs, and achievements.

Membership Strategy & Growth
  • Provide strategic leadership for membership acquisition, retention, engagement, and stewardship efforts.
  • Enhance the overall member experience and ensure membership considerations are integrated into programs, events, exhibits, and educational offerings.
  • Partners across departments position membership as a key component of visitor engagement and organizational sustainability.
  • Meet or exceed annual membership growth and revenue targets.

Strategic Partnership with Monroe County
  • Maintain a highly collaborative and productive partnership with Monroe County leadership and communications teams.
  • In partnership with County Communications, oversee crisis communication planning, preparedness, and response.
  • Collaborate with County partners to strengthen community, governmental, and neighborhood relationships through proactive engagement and communication strategies.

Analytics, Research & Evaluation
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing, communications, membership, and audience engagement efforts.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns, programs, and initiatives and use insights to continuously improve performance and return on investment.
  • Lead the development and application of audience, market, and consumer research to inform organizational decision making and strategic planning.
  • Partner with the Director of Program Evaluation and Audience Research to assess mission impact, audience engagement, visitor satisfaction, and revenue outcomes.

Supervisory Responsibilities
The Director of Marketing and Communications provides leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development for the following positions:
  • Membership Manager
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Visual Designer
  • Office Assistant and Reception Team

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field.
  • Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, membership, or audience development.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
  • Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that drive measurable business results.
  • Experience managing budgets, allocating resources, and evaluating return on investment.
  • Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with boards, volunteers, executives, community leaders, and external partners.
  • Strong track record of leading, motivating, coaching, and holding staff accountable for achieving goals.
  • Experience managing media relations, public relations initiatives, and crisis communications.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to make data-informed decisions and leverage audience insights to improve outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience using Marketing Cloud
  • Salesforce experience
  • Experience working for non-profit organization a plus.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time, exempt position. Annual salary range is $80,000 - $95,000 commensurate with experience. Some of the benefits available include health insurance plans, HSA, FSA, life insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, holiday, personal, birthday, and sick time benefits.
Seneca Park Zoo Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.