Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Position Description

Mission:

Connect people to wildlife, inspiring communities to conserve nature for future generations.

Purpose:

This position will optimize digital communication platforms and media to fulfill the Zoo’s mission, producing and sharing content that is relevant, educational, engaging, and accessible. Through networking with the community and all Zoo staff members, the Digital Communications Manager is responsible for social media management, website development, video production, and other modern public-facing communications.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manages the Zoo’s major social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Develops and maintains posting schedule, in coordination with overall Zoo communications. Stays current with changes to social media landscape and adapts when needed. 
• Updates, maintains, and develops the Zoo’s WordPress website, ensuring all content is up-to-date, accurate, and follows brand guidelines and web best practices.
• Manages in-house video productions, in coordination with Creative Services as needed. Serves as a videographer and video editor for social media, and projects for other departments. Coordinates with the Zoo’s Conservation Photographer to ensure comprehensive still imagery is also captured.
• Pitches, coordinates, and develops stories designed to reach a variety of audiences; highlight Zoo’s resident animals, conservation and fundraising initiatives, events, and news, in coordination with the Communications Manager and other Zoo staff. 
• Coordinates with web developers, commercial production studios, and other content creators to develop digital experiences. Collaborates with influencers and content creators to develop high-quality media around relevant terms and trends.
• Monitors reviews and updates Zoo details on tourism and event guide websites such as Google Business, VisitPittsburgh, TripAdvisor, and others.
• Creates and maintains metrics and regular reports for measuring media hits, website analytics, and social media impressions.
• Performs keyword, industry, and competitive research to inform content marketing strategy. 
• Develops, places, and manages digital advertising budget for paid social media and web promotions.
• Coordinates with other departments and providers for digital learning opportunities for guests, such as VR, video, or other developing media formats and experiences, with the goal of increasing empathy towards wildlife.
• Addresses guest inquiries on social media in a timely manner. Coordinates with Communications Manager and Visitor Services Manager to ensure guest social media messages are being answered consistently.
• Prepares proactively and activates when needed for crisis communications. Monitors and adjusts for organizational risk management. 
• Works as an integral member of the Marketing team on media relations and all other duties as assigned and directed. 

Performance Factors:

3. Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.  Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others, and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
4. Provides excellent customer service in the areas of guest relations and park beautification:
   • Answers visitor inquiries or finds someone who can; 
   • Is knowledgeable of location of exhibits, restrooms, concessions, rentals, etc.
   • Disposes of litter and waste throughout the park and Zoo facilities.

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of experience in marketing, mass communications, digital media, or related field. Skilled in the creation of visual media designed to reach diverse audiences. Excellent communication skills and experience with brand development, project and publications management. Must be able to work independently with a minimum amount of supervision and have the ability to convey information via various media to a diverse population. Experience with WordPress, Google Analytics 4, and basic familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript required. Familiarity with a variety of digital media equipment and Adobe suite preferred.

Physical Requirements: