Social Media & Marketing Coordinator

Location: Apple Valley, MN

Full-time, unlimited (permanent) position

Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually

Work Shift: 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. with occasional early mornings or evenings
Days of Work: Monday - Friday with occasional weekends
Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time

About the role

This position exists to lead the Minnesota Zoo's social media, marketing, and e-communications strategies. The role is responsible for developing and implementing clear, consistent, and coordinated social media, marketing, and e-communications that increase brand awareness, audience engagement, and support for the Minnesota Zoo’s mission to save wildlife, while contributing to overall attendance, membership, and revenue goals. This position also assists with communication, public and media relations, and marketing initiatives including events, promotions, and on-site and off-site media activities.

Responsibilities

• In alignment with the Zoo-wide editorial calendar, develop, negotiate, and execute a comprehensive social media strategy that increases visibility, audience engagement, and visitation to the Zoo, while promoting awareness of the Zoo’s mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.
• In alignment with the Zoo-wide editorial calendar, develop and share communication content through owned media channels to support Zoo marketing initiatives, strengthen audience engagement, and increase visitation.
• Assist with marketing initiatives and cross-functional projects that promote the Zoo, support attendance goals, and strengthen organizational communications.
• Provide coordination and maintenance support for departmental tools, workflows, and digital assets to ensure efficiency and alignment across projects.

Requirements

• 1 year of experience in social media strategy and platforms to plan, create, schedule, and manage compelling written, video, and visual content for social media channels.
• 1 year of computer skills experience including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint) sufficient to collect, organize, and analyze data.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) sufficient to create engaging e-communication and content for social media and digital channels.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and generate alignment and agreement on resolutions with varied internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing and prioritizing multiple projects and details simultaneously, delivering results on-time and on budget using project tracking tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Media Marketing, Communication, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• Experience writing, creating, producing, and managing strong compelling conservation messaging for social media platforms including text, video, and images.
• Experience using digital camera equipment and accessories including microphones and smartphones (iPhone) sufficient to effectively receive, send, edit, and manage images, video, and text.
• Experience in using social media management, asset management, and project management platforms.
• Experience appearing on camera for media interviews, social media videos, or other public-facing video content.
• Proven experience managing a consumer-facing brand social account.
• Experience in Zoo and Aquarium industry or consumer-facing attraction.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for periods of time, stand for periods of time, walk considerable distances at times, and hear/listen for considerable amounts of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work flexible shifts including nights and weekends.
• Ability to navigate challenging physical spaces.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, hand a banner, distribute materials, etc.
• Ability to use an audio headset for two-way radio communication during programs and events.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• All candidates must submit to a background check prior to employment, which may consist of: conflict of interest review, criminal history check (including fingerprinting), education verification, employment reference/records check, and license/certification verification.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats, introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around the world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF.
• Diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years).
• Employer-paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Support to help you reach your career goals, including training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, addressing mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, legal issues, and daily living/convenience services.