Communications Coordinator

Department: Communications FLSA Status: Exempt

Working Hours: Primarily 8:30 a.m. - 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Evenings and weekends are necessary at times.

Direct Supervisor's Name and Title: Beth LaPierre, Director of Communications and Engagement (DCE)

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications Coordinator manages communication efforts including, but not limited to, website content and management, social media strategy and execution, digital advertising, email, and media relations. The Communications Coordinator is the "voice" of Seneca Park Zoo in digital media and often other marketing communications elements. This position will manage the Zoo and Zoo Society's owned and earned channels and ensures consistent messaging with the marketing strategy being implemented by the Director of Communications and Engagement (DCE) on the Zoo and Zoo Society's paid channels. This includes multimedia content creation, campaign strategy, execution, and measurement.

DUTIES

• Work with the DCE and other departments to proactively plan Zoo communications and branding for coordinated and consistent external messaging.
• Collaborate with the DCE on plans for promoting the Zoo's mission, events, programs, and revenue streams in a professional, consistent, and creative way.
• Prepare written content for materials including but not limited to digital content marketing, press materials, marketing and constituent emails, blogs, the Zoo's quarterly newsletter ZooNooz, biweekly email newsletter, and other publications.
• Work with Zoo Society and county staff to create content for the blog, website, and social media channels; manage a schedule of content creation across departments.
• Manage the content strategy and execution for all Zoo social media channels.
  • Plan and execute daily posts, monitor conversations regarding Seneca Park Zoo on social media and review sites and respond or coordinate appropriate responses; manage the online phase of any crisis communications.
  • Strategically grow social media audiences, engagement, and impact across all channels.
• Maintain and update the Zoo's website and with input from Zoo Society staff. Engage our technology partners as needed for structural site changes.
• Assist with digital advertising strategy and execution directly and through media companies and other marketing channels.
• Write press releases and media alerts; pitch stories to local media outlets in collaboration with the DCE and Monroe County communications team.
• In conjunction with County Communications, coordinate onsite media events and press conferences.
• Serve as liaison between media and Zoo spokespeople, as well as between County Communications and Zoo Society.
• Oversee schedule and projects for photography volunteers; take photos and video at Zoo events and programs when requested or otherwise necessary.
• Work with DCE to brainstorm content ideas, facilitate filming, and manage content delivery.
• Assist in proofreading all collateral material.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

TECHNOLOGY/EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

Computer, Microsoft Office programs, Adobe Creative Suite, Acrobat, WordPress, Elementor, META Business Suite, basic video editing software, Hootsuite and/or Buffer, and Google Analytics.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

This position requires walking, standing, seeing, speaking, hearing, interacting with others, and the ability to work at a computer for an extended period.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office environment. Occasionally, may require walking to various locations throughout the Seneca Park Zoo with exposure to outdoor elements.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in business, communications, public relations, or marketing related field.
• Must have valid NY State Driver's License.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• At least 3-5 years' experience in digital marketing or related field is required.
• Experience with public and media relations, email marketing, content writing and copywriting a must.
• Must be proficient in WordPress, Adobe programs, Photoshop, and Google Analytics. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs a must.
• Experience editing short form video and graphics for social media.
• Must have proficiency in and a passion for social media platforms, analytics, and content formats including reels, stories, video, posts, and more.
• Must have excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to work on and prioritize a variety of duties while implementing appropriate time management. Strong collaborator and relationship building skills necessary.
• Ability to think outside of the box and continuously look to improve, both personally and professionally. Self-starter, willing to meet challenges with resourcefulness.
• Must be able to deal with the public and media courteously and effectively.

Seneca Park Zoo Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees