Information Director - Marketing and Communications

Full Job Description

This position is responsible for developing and directing marketing communication and public relations activities that will articulate the Minnesota Zoo brand and fulfill the mission, achieve attendance and membership goals, and promote the Zoo in a clear, comprehensive and compelling manner. This position involves significant discretion and substantial involvement in the development, interpretation and implementation of agency-wide field conservation policies.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop a marketing and promotional strategy and create and implement an effective marketing and communication plan to support the attainment of attendance/revenue goals and advance the Minnesota Zoo's brand and mission.
• Develop, direct and manage department personnel so that required staffing resources are available and strategically invested and department policies are developed and implemented that most effectively support the Minnesota Zoo’s mission.
• Develop, direct and manage the department fiscal resources so that communication across multiple broadcast, print, digital, web and social media platforms; resource planning and allocation for advertising and promotion; local, regional and national media relations; and internal and external communication promote the Minnesota Zoo in a vibrant, consistent, and comprehensive manner and within approved budgets.
• Develop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with internal and external constituents to achieve positive relationships that support the mission of the Zoo and management initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the Strategy and Engagement division management team, providing leadership and direction for marketing and communications to accomplish annual goals and work toward achieving organizational mission and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications/PR, brand management, business, or a highly-related area from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five (5) years supervisory or managerial experience with responsibility for directing a multi-media marketing and communications program that includes responsibility for working in traditional and new media. In order to be credited, this experience must demonstrate the following skills and abilities:
  • Demonstrated success in the achievement of sales, revenue, and/or membership and admissions goals.
  • Experience measuring and analyzing communication and branding strategy effectiveness
  • Experience working across multiple media formats
  • Experience working collaboratively across partner agencies
  • Experience bringing products to market, including digital product marketing and understanding of user experience for web
  • Understanding of the creative process including design for traditional and new media; and experience working with designers, writers, content creators and artists
  • Data-based decision making, including the use of business analytics and metrics to design and implement marketing communications programs for targeted audiences
• Managerial skills sufficient to develop and manage budgets and staff for a mid-sized organization
• Effective communication skills sufficient to write succinct and clear content, talking points, reports and plans and facilitate meetings with varied and diverse stakeholders of all ages, diverse needs and backgrounds.
• Skill in conflict management and negotiation principles and strategies; including issues and crisis management planning and implementation
• Computer skills sufficient to effectively work with business software and digital marketing applications
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline driven process from inception through execution
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access with demonstrated experience engaging diverse communities and underserved audiences
• Creativity and entrepreneurial initiative
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with zoo, conservation, environmental education, recreation or cultural organizations
• Experience working with Twin Cities diverse communities
• Experience working with State government
• Experience working in a union environment
• Established network of relationships with local community leaders and influencers
• Strong knowledge of local market, including media outlets and cultural institutions
• Knowledge of nature, conservation, wildlife biology, and sustainability issues
• Fluent in a second language, such as Spanish, Hmong, ASL, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to operate a computer, including viewing a screen and typing on a keyboard, for up to 8 hours/day
• Ability to travel locally
• Flexible availability including weekdays, weekends, evenings, early mornings and overnights
• Ability to work in an environment that includes both indoor and outdoor work spaces year round with moderate noise levels
• Ability to work offsite when necessary including prolonged telework

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Employment verification checks, criminal background checks, child protection check and driver's license check

Application Details

Why Work For Us

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

How to Apply

Click "Apply" at the bottom of the page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

... you have questions about the position, contact Roxanne Lane at [email protected] or 952/431-9255.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. Please indicate what assistance you need.