Posted: 7/2/2026
Salary: $41,600/yr
Ever wanted to write a press release about a toucan chick hatching or pitch a story about endangered species breeding programs? As our Communications Specialist, you'll craft content that connects our community to wildlife conservation. This isn't your standard communications job, you'll collaborate with animal care teams, coordinate press events, track national media coverage, and help tell the stories that matter.
The Communications Specialist develops and distributes press releases, pitches stories to media outlets, tracks coverage, and coordinates web content updates to ensure accurate and timely visitor information. This role works closely with the Marketing and Communications Manager to support the zoo's media presence, digital content strategy, messaging consistency, and public-facing communications across all channels. Reports directly to the Director of Marketing & Communications.
Essential Functions:
Communications Execution
- Write, edit, and distribute press releases for events, initiatives, animal news, and organizational announcements.
- Develop media pitches and coordinate outreach to journalists, outlets, and community partners.
- Organize and support press conferences, media events, and on-site media visits.
- Create and maintain current media contact lists; track media coverage and compile reports.
Web Content & Digital Marketing Support
- Coordinate and execute web content updates related to events, operations, visitor information, and organizational news.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure web content is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational messaging.
- Provide backup support for social media responses, community engagement, and content posting as needed.
Administrative & Communications Support
- Assist with tracking and managing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in coordination with the Marketing and Communications Manager.
- Support campaign messaging development, talking points, and internal communications materials as assigned.
- Perform related marketing and communications duties to support departmental goals and organizational priorities.
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field. 1–3 years of experience in public relations, communications, journalism, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Work primarily in an office environment, with flexibility for occasional on-site support for events, media visits, and other organizational activities as needed.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences. Experience writing press releases, media pitches, or other public-facing communications materials. Experience with content management systems, web editing, or social media platforms.
The ideal candidate has experience working with nonprofit, conservation, attractions, or other mission-driven organizations and is comfortable supporting media relations efforts. The successful candidate will work both independently and collaboratively while staying organized managing multiple projects and deadlines. They are also adaptable, proactive, and eager to learn new systems and tools as communications needs evolve.
We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about creating inspiring stories, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.
