Job Description

General Purpose

This position is responsible for supporting Fresno Chaffee Zoo through external, internal, and science communications. This role will draft public-facing and internal communications that will require an excellent ability to wordsmith along with solid writing and research skills to be reviewed by the Manager of Interpretive Content and Marketing Director. This position will also work closely with the Zoos Conservation and Community Affairs department to draft communications to promote the Zoos good work via articles, press releases, events, radio shows/podcast, videos, or other media as needed.

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.

Essential Accountabilities

Media Relations

• Acts as spokesperson for television (on-camera), radio (on-air), print, and digital interviews.
• Draft press releases and all official external and internal communications for review. Coordinates joint releases and announcements with community partners for communications that advance all organizations involved.
• Responds to media requests in a timely manner and coordinates on-site and in-studio appearances by gathering information about media needs, scheduling Zoo staff when appropriate, and communicating any animal needs between partners and staff.
• With direction from the Manager of Interpretive Content, drafts executive and senior level talking points and prepares Zoo staff for interviews when appropriate.
• Organize press conferences, ribbon cuttings, and other media events, partnering with events staff, construction partners, and operations teams.
• Escorts the media and partners for filming and photography projects around the Zoo to ensure animal well-being and safety.
• Proactively develops pitches tailored to media outlets to increase earned media coverage of the Zoo.
• Monitors press mentions and clips of the Zoo and reaches out for corrections as needed.
• Track earned media equivalency ROI.
• Maintains and updates media kit.

Internal Communications

• Responsible for developing, executing, and managing effective internal communications initiatives that drive employee engagement and foster an inclusive culture among Zoo staff.
• Strengthen communication across the Zoo to build awareness of key initiatives, events, organizational changes, employee successes, and resources.
• Develop, manage, and write internal communications, including staff e-newsletters and announcements, under the supervision of the Manager of Interpretive Content and Marketing Director.
• Manages the FCZ Blog and works with various departments to create content on a regular basis.
• Assist the Manager of Interpretive Content in drafting copy for interpretive materials.
• Work with our Conservation department to actively pitch and highlight the Zoos conservation work in various scientific media outlets.
• Collaborate with the Community Events department to find unique ways to promote our Community Events to the desired audiences.
• Acts as the point person for all AZA award applications and public awareness campaigns.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoos facilities and offsite.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Mission

We inspire people to care for animals, create connections, build community, and save wildlife.

Vision

A just future that begins with us and makes possible a world where people and wildlife thrive together.

Organizational Pillars

Wildlife Science

• Outstanding animal care.
• Research-driven animal wellness.
• Meaningful connections.
• Transformative exhibits.
• Effective global and regional conservation.

Company Culture

• Collective success.
• Career growth and development.
• Commitment to staff well-being and happiness.

Community Partnerships

• Premier cultural destination.
• A sense of belonging for all.
• Equitable access.
• Environmental and social justice.
• Trusted leader in conservation and sustainability.
• Rooted in the Central Valley.

Sustainable Business

• Sustainable business model.
• Continued community support (Measure Z).
• Compelling brand.

Modeling green practices.

Education and Job Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in public relations, communications, English, science, biology, or related field preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are required. Bilingual (Spanish) communication skills preferred.
• Meticulous attention to grammar with sharp editing and fact-checking skills.
• Ability to tailor writing style to suit a specific audience.
• Strong knowledge of science and biology.
• Capacity to work on multiple writing projects simultaneously.
• Ability to manage their deadlines and work as part of a larger marketing team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance and enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program required.

Physical Requirements

• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity is sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.

Work Environment

• The position functions primarily indoors, with occasional exposure to outdoor heat and cold.
• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Occasional local travel may be required.

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