Director of Marketing and Communications

The Buffalo Zoo is seeking a Director of Marketing & Communications who provides strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of all marketing, public relations, media relations, and environmental communication functions for the Buffalo Zoo. This individual is a visionary brand steward, hands-on leader and chief storyteller responsible for growing attendance, deepening community engagement, and advancing the Buffalo Zoo's mission through compelling, multi-channel communications, including digital communications (social media, website, email); paid and earned media; on-grounds environmental communications; and graphic design. This position reports directly to the Chief Advancement Officer, is a member of the Advancement Team, and serves on the Zoo’s Leadership Team. The Director manages an internal communications team, external agency, and oversees vendor and advisor relationships to deliver campaigns that drive revenue, elevate the Zoo's reputation, and amplify its conservation voice. The Director partners closely with Zoo leadership in Advancement, Animal Care, Guest Experience and Conservation Education departments to realize revenue targets; and achieve fundraising and engagement goals.This is a full-time, exempt position. Annual salary range is $70,000 - $85,000 commensurate with experience. Some of the benefits available include health plan, HRA/HSA, FSA, life insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, annual leave, holiday, and sick time benefits. Benefits are available after the successful completion and passing of a probationary period review at 60 days of work (sick time available upon hire).To Apply: Please send resume and cover letter in Word document or PDF using subject line: Marketing Director by email to: buffalozoojobs@buffalozoo.orgNo telephone calls please. Position open until filled.POSITION QUALIFICATIONSEducation (Minimum Desired):· Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field.Experience (Minimum Desired):· Seven years of progressively responsible marketing and communications experience.· Two years’ management experience.· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop team.· Demonstrated experience managing integrated campaigns across digital, paid media, PR, and social channels.· Proven success in negotiating and managing paid media buys.· Experience leading website strategy and CMS-based content management.· Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and media relations.· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and press releases.· Creative thinker with a demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions.· Exceptional project management skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.· Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.· Ability to create and manage marketing plans (multi-channel, segmented, campaigns) and utilize owned, paid, andearned media to build brand affinity and drive key revenue lines.· Candidate must exhibit a passion for the mission and direction of the Buffalo Zoo.· Experience managing and monitoring a budget is a plus.· A self-starter, energetic and resilient, with the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that deliverables, timelines, and objectives are achieved.· Exceptional communications, sales/promotions and customer service skills, must be adept at multitasking and extremely detail oriented.· Entrepreneurial spirit.· Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable and positive experience. Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests, or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.· Possess a can-do attitude, be resourceful, and communicate respectfully with everyone.· Interact with courtesy, professionalism, and respect to staff, docents, volunteers, and guests consistent with the organization’s mission and core values.· Exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.· Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Advancement Officer.SEE FULL LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS HERE: https://buffalozoo.org/about/#careers