• Job Description

  Req#: 128439

  Job Details

  Job Location: Nashville Zoo - Nashville, TN

  Position Type: Full Time

  Salary Range: $20.26 - $30.40 Hourly

  Communications Specialist

  Nashville Zoo Position Description

  Communications Specialist

  Position: Communications Specialist

  Department: Marketing

  Supervisor: Marketing and Public Relations Director

  Company Overview:

  Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

  Description:

  Employee will assist the Marketing and Public Relations Department in all aspects promotion and communications for Nashville Zoo. Primary responsibilities include, developing, writing and editing content for both internal and external communication, media releases and relations, securing positive publicity, influencer marketing, implementation and monitoring and guest comment response. Along with the marketing and public relations team, this position will work with all departments to create and carry messages that promote news about the Zoo’s exhibits, events, campaigns, and conservation initiatives.

  Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Build and maintain relationships with local, regional and national media outlets and social media influencers.
  • Write media releases and alerts and follow up with media to maximize positive media coverage.
  • Identify earned media opportunities and pitch story ideas to the media.
  • Coordinate media visits and interviews.
  • Act as a spokesperson for Nashville Zoo both onsite and offsite.
  • Create intriguing stories about the Zoo’s activities including but not limited to animal care, conservation, research, promotions, events, sales, fundraising, staff recruiting and more.
  • Build and monitor influencer campaigns and ongoing relationships.

  • Work with the Digital Content Manager to create and implement the digital newsletter and promotional emails through the Zoo’s email management platform.

  • Work with the Digital Content Manager to develop and maintain the Zoo’s media resources, news, and stories for the Zoo’s website.
  • Respond to guest comments, complaints and suggestions.
  • Monitor and interact with followers who engage to the Zoo’s social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
  • Create listings on all external event and calendar sites including Visit Music City, TN Vacation, Do615, NashToday and others.
  • Monitor and manage external, online review sites like Yelp, Google, Trip Advisor and others.
  • Work with the Marketing and Public Relations Department to maintain quality control of all publications, print pieces, website and other communication.
  • Work with the Marketing and Public Relations Department to assist other departments in creating specialized departmental communications including annual reports, brochures, flyers, etc.
  • Maintain media clippings, media lists, and other external exposure.
  • Work with the Marketing and Public Relations Director to create a monthly earned media report.
  • Other duties as assigned

  Skills:

  • Experience in public relations, media relations, journalism, or other communications.
  • Experience with on-camera interviews is preferred.
  • Must have excellent writing, spelling, grammar and editing skills.
  • Must be a creative writer with a strong interest in animals, conservation, and animal management.
  • Must have knowledge of social media strategy and implementation
  • Must be able to address guest concerns in a professional manner
  • Must be able to work with Zoo staff to organize media tours and interviews
  • Proficient at Microsoft Word, Excel
  • Proficient on Google Calendar and Google applications
  • Basic knowledge of Adobe Suite products preferred but not required

  Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to work on a computer for long periods of time
  • Occasional lifting of no more than 25 lbs
  • Must be able to work outside for long periods and on occasional nights and weekends

  Education/Experience:

  • Degree in public relations, media relations, journalism, English or other similar study is preferred

  • Three years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, media relations, English or other degree with a writing background
  • Experience in promotional and creative writing
  • Knowledge of social media strategy, design and implementation

  Background Check:

  Applicants for the position are required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.

  Qualifications

  
  

• About the company

  The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a zoological garden and historic plantation farmhouse located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Nashville.

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