Marketing Assistant

Join our fun, educational, and professional Zoo team in our efforts to save the natural world and wildlife!

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Marketing Assistant with a positive outlook and prior experience with content creation for Social Media, video, photography and graphics production.

The qualified applicant must have at least 1 year experience in Marketing/Communication.

This is a Non-Exempt, Regular, Full Time position.
Compensation: $17.00/hour and up, DOE

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:

The Marketing Assistant supports the Marketing team by providing essential administrative support in campaign coordination, social media support, conducting market research, and handling assigned tasks by the VP of Marketing & Communications and other marketing team members. They assist in coordinating logistics, preparing materials, scheduling meetings, hosting film and media crews, tracking performance data, and organizing events.

This entry-level role requires a 'can-do' attitude, excellent communication, organizational skills, collaboration efficiency, professional reliability, and proficiency in digital tools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:
General marketing support:
Assist in the planning, execution, and tracking of marketing campaigns, including digital and printed collateral.
Social media:
Supporting the Digital Media Specialist in management of social media accounts, creating engaging content, and updating website information, analyzing and reporting KPIs.
Administrative Tasks:
Scheduling meetings, managing calendars, coordinating events and meetings, organizing marketing materials, and maintaining databases.

Market Research:
Gathering data on consumer preferences, competitor activities, and industry trends.

Event Coordination:
Assisting with the logistics and coordination of Zoo events, both public and private.

Proactive collaboration with all other Zoo departments to manage flow, and needed timelines, of various marketing projects from conception to delivery.

Other duties as assigned by VP, Marketing & Communications.

SECONDARY DUTIES

General

· Contributes to organization‑wide strategic initiatives and culture building.

· Promotes and practices inclusivity, equity, and belonging in all communications and collaborations.

· Stays informed about industry trends through AZA participation, conferences, and professional development.

· Supports institutional events, public programs, fundraising campaigns, and community initiatives.

· Models conservation values and sustainable practices.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Guest Relations

· Warmly greets guests and expresses appreciation for their visit.

· Responds promptly to phone, voicemail, and email inquiries.

· Maintains work areas to Zoo cleanliness and safety standards.

· Assists guests with information and responds to concerns per Zoo procedures.

· Adheres to uniform and appearance guidelines.

· Exemplifies Guest Relations principles, Core Values, and the Employee Pledge.

· Applies sustainable practices whenever possible.

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field preferred
• One year prior administrative experience in marketing, communications, public relations, sales, or internships is preferred.
• Background in social media strategy, content planning, or community engagement a plus.
• Proven ability to work successfully in a fast‑paced environment with multiple deadlines.
• Prior experience supporting a team is preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit or mission‑driven environments is beneficial but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Excellent written, verbal communications and editing skills for content creation and team collaboration
• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail, meeting deadlines.
• Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable working style.
• Excellent project management skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and proficiency in digital tools use.
• Professional reliability: consistency and punctuality, ability to handle information with high integrity and discretion, proactive problem solving, accountability and follow through.
• Relationship cultivation skills with media and other Zoo partners.
• Ability to work successfully in open, shared work environment.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid CA Driver’s license with good driving record is desirable.
• Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to work in and promote a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented environment
• Ability to attend meetings and events on and off Zoo grounds, including evenings and weekends as required
• Ability to access all Zoo facilities and areas, occasionally outdoors and in variable conditions
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Tools Used:

• Personal computer and software
• Two-way radio
• Photo and video equipment
• Standard office equipment: telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, scanner, calculator
• Electric cart

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the President/CEO or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the President/CEO or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

Compensation: $21.00 - $22.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.

Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.