Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Communications Coordinator
POSITION SUMMARY
The Communications Coordinator provides ongoing support for AZA member and external outreach, helping AZA tell powerful stories about AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos and the work they are doing to save species. The coordinator works closely with all departments to implement the strategies and tactics relating to AZA’s communications efforts. This position reports to the Senior VP of Communications and Strategy.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
• Works in a team environment with the Senior Vice President of Communications and Strategy on all tasks relating to AZA communications efforts, including providing communication guidance to AZA members.
• Develops, writes, edits and disseminates press materials, brochures, web copy, magazine articles, social media posts, and other items as necessary to the media, AZA members, and the general public.
• Conducts research and monitors the media for information relating to AZA members and related conservation initiatives.
• Assists with media relations for AZA, including responding to media inquiries, making contacts, maintaining lists, and researching journalists.
• Works with vendors on the development of event/collateral materials for communications initiatives and organizes distribution to AZA members.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Senior Vice President of Communications and Strategy or his/her designee.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
• Should be comfortable sitting or standing for long periods of time in front of a computer screen.
• Ability to travel to two (2) AZA meetings per year.
• Should be able to function in a busy office environment with ambient noise levels.
• All employees must be up to date and fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, as permitted by law.
Experience Required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience;
• 3-5 years of related experience;
• Experience in public relations or related field required;
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading abilities required;
• Experience with working with the media, including making contacts, maintaining lists, and researching journalists;
• Experience with researching and communicating data, such as polling results;
• Experience with social media;
• Experience with Windows-based software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
• Skill in effectively and accurately communicating information;
• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, goals and project initiatives to meet deadlines;
• Highly organized and self-motivated and able to manage multiple tasks while functioning effectively as a team member under pressure;
• Familiarity with data analytics, design software, online communications tools and other public relations platforms such as Hootsuite, Talkwalker, Meltwater, and Teamwork a plus;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members.
Further Comments
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
Perks
Competitive benefits, including health, life and disability insurance options, retirement plan (safe harbor 401K), vacation and personal days, and an option to work remotely up to 3 days a week.
Salary
Starting at $51,500
How to Apply
Those interested in applying should send a current resume and cover letter detailing why they are interested in the position to Rob Vernon at rvernon@aza.org. No calls, please.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Silver Spring, MD
Visit our website
Edit your job posting
Submitting your job posting...