Public Relations - Public Relations and Media Manager

The Public Relations and Media Manager position will provide essential support to the Public Relations Director in executing day-to-day public relations initiatives aimed at promoting the Zoo's events, programs, and conservation efforts. In addition to external communication responsibilities, this position will manage the organization and administration of the zoo’s multimedia assets, such as photo and video content, to be used in external communications campaigns, by media and partners, and within zoological operations.  This is a regular full-time, salaried position with a hiring range of $67,000 to $73,700 and offers a comprehensive benefits package.  PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.   *     Support the Director of Public Relations with drafting press materials, building media lists, pitching media stories, and coordinating press conferences, media tours, exhibit openings, media requests, interviews, and onsite visits. Supports management of the Zoo’s online newsroom, providing digital asset to the previously mentioned media materials. *     Oversee media monitoring and data collection for the team, tracking media coverage and relevant news stories to develop PR results, analytic reports and internal media highlights/recaps using media monitoring software. *     Conduct research on relevant topics, gather data, and prepare reports to support public relations strategies and initiatives. Conduct competitor analysis to understand and share insights on the current market landscape, identifying opportunities for differentiation and improvement. *     Support the integration of a digital asset management platform and/or help build a new photo/video organization system to maximize efficiency of sharing multimedia content with internal and external audiences. *     Facilitate the sourcing and sharing of photo and video content for internal and external requests, ensuring timely access to digital assets. Ensure accurate use of photos/video in PR and digital content, including removing photos/video from collection during staff, animal or construction changes. *     Provide writing support to Communications team members as needed. *     Support internal communications initiatives, such as staff newsletter and emails, as needed.       Other related duties as assigned.  * Denotes Essential Job Function(s) POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Science, or other related field required.  High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required. Two years’ experience in a comparable public relations capacity required.  English fluency at a full professional proficiency.  Strong familiarity with media relations and ability to communicate effectively at a variety of levels. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and media monitoring/database software programs. Strong ability to prioritize workload, multi-task effectively, and work efficiently and responsibly with minimal supervision. Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information.  Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build and maintain positive relationships. Ability to provide high level of customer service. Passion for wildlife conservation, environmental education, and promoting positive change through effective communication. Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Valid driver’s license required on date of hire.  Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire.  A valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.  DESIRABLE/PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS: Spanish writing and editing experience a plus. Experience with Microsoft Word highly desirable. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.  This incumbent works with Marketing staff and others to create, write, edit and supervise production and proofing of onsite and offsite communications including, but not limited to: signage, zoo maps, member communications, advertising, website content, social media, educational materials, and fundraising publications. The incumbent helps to ensure that the highest standards are upheld BZC’s print publications and zoo-exhibit interpretive signage.  Develops and supervises the production of publications and website materials to inform, guide, and educate the public, promote conservation and scientific discovery through publications and signage, advertise special events and services to guests, members, employees, and other relevant audiences.  Oversees and/or supervises the editorial production of major printed pieces (magazines, manuals, reports), smaller printed pieces (newsletters, brochures, flyers, tickets, print advertisements, etc.) and website material, and supervises editing and proofing of signage.  Individual must be able to effectively communicate complex biological principles to readers at a variety of levels, ages, and experiences.  The incumbent must be highly self-motivated and self-directed, have high attention to detail, and complete the majority of routine work with minimal input from supervisor.  Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment that is mission and vision driven and embrace BZC’s core values.   001281

Salary : $67,000 - $73,700