Communications Manager

JOB SUMMARY/OVERVIEW

The Communications Manager (CM) acts as the voice and brand steward of the organization, sharing the mission of the Animal Park at the Conservators Center with the community in alignment with the nonprofit business’s vision. The CM is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective communications with multiple stakeholders, including the general public, media, and potential donors, to increase brand recognition and engagement. The CM leads the development and implementation of a strategic promotional plan and manages a small volunteer support team to maximize the reach and effectiveness of this department. This role requires significant weekend time on site. Flex time is available, including the potential for the occasional option to work from home after a training and probationary period.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Develop and implement long-term and project-based communication strategies to increase attendance, memberships, and donations, and to support the APCC mission
  • Develop, produce, and distribute content to engage and educate audiences across various channels, including newsletters, blogs, website, social media, streaming and produced video, print collateral, and other media
  • Manage and coordinate with the social media supervisor, guide content calendar development, and substitute for this position as needed
  • Perform editing, proofreading, and simple design tasks
  • Manage and effectively deploy a small support team of volunteer communications professionals with skills including copywriting, copy editing, design, photography, e-newsletter production, and media management
  • Gather customer feedback and measure ROI and other metrics for campaigns and strategies in conjunction with support team and adjust approaches accordingly
  • Develop and execute multi-platform fundraising campaigns in conjunction with other internal teams
  • Manage and drive cost-effective campaigns in support of on- and off-site events, including creating promotional materials, updating local and regional event calendars, developing email invitations for VIPs, and managing invitation lists
  • Support internal communications largely through weekly staff updates, stakeholder e-newsletters, and by assisting other programs
  • Monitor email inboxes, website, and social media to address queries and manage our online presence while maintaining positive relations
  • Pitch and secure coverage for television, radio, print, and online media; serve as the liaison for media outlets
  • Escort external media on-site, managing access and safety and providing background information and context
  • Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as requested by management

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
  • Proofreading skills, an eye for detail, and strong knowledge of correct grammar, usage, and spelling
  • Excellent customer service, networking, and interpersonal skills
  • Creative problem-solving and the ability to work cooperatively
  • Calm and efficient management of high-pressure situations
  • Ability to manage multiple work streams concurrently
  • Ability to work independently, with solid critical thinking and decision-making skills
  • Strong organization and time management
  • Ability to receive constructive criticism or guidance and take corrective action

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

  • Degree or documented coursework in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field is required; comparable employment experience considered
  • One year of experience working in communications, marketing, or similar role strongly preferred
  • Proficiency in MS Office, Microsoft 365, Google Drive (Documents, Sheets, and Slides), and other similar platforms
  • Experience with content design software, e.g., Adobe Creative Suite and Canva
  • Experience with web content management tools like WordPress and Patreon
  • Understanding of general social media use and in-depth experience with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok; experience with Hootsuite, Twitch, and Discord desirable
  • Experience with creating promotional campaigns for social media and other channels
  • Photography and video skills (high-quality cell footage is acceptable) appropriate for social media posts; editing and some graphic design experience required

LICENSING, CERTIFICATION and/or REGISTRATION: 

  • First Aid/CPR, or completed within 6 months of hire; offered on site
  • Valid driver’s license

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

  • Requires prolonged standing or sitting, significant walking, and squatting, bending, stooping, and stretching
  • Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, smartphone, and other office equipment, and drive a golf cart
  • Requires use of computers, printers/scanners, related equipment, with basic servicing skills
  • Requires occasional lifting up to 25 pounds
  • Requires occasional work outdoors as needed, including in all NC temperatures
  • Requires occasional walking over uneven or muddy ground
  • Requires working most weekends, and maintaining scheduling flexibility in order to effectively and efficiently respond to social media engagement, deal with emergent situations, provide staffing assistance, etc.
  • Rural location requires a driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to drive after full dark
  • Opportunity for occasional hybrid remote work after orientation, training, and probationary period
  • Any remote work requires access to a computer, secure high-speed Internet connection, and phone

 

COMPENSATION:

  • The salary for this position for fully qualified individuals is $35,568
  • Group insurance policy rates for Dental and Vision insurance
  • Subsidized shared housing opportunities may be available during relocation

APPLICATION:

We are currently accepting full-time employment applications. For additional information, please visit our website at www.animalparknc.org. All resumes, references, and questions can be emailed to: applications@animalparknc.org. Please list the job title in the subject line, and attach your resume/CV and at least two relevant references, plus a writing sample from a published article or campaign. The selection process will include traditional interviews that may take place over the phone for individuals who are not local.