Public Relations and Content Development Manager

Benefits:

• Company parties
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Free uniforms
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Lead the Stories That Move People to Protect the Planet! Immediate opening!

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the VP, Marketing & Communications, the Public Relations (PR) & Content Development Manager advances the Zoo’s brand in awareness, reach, and public engagement through strategic communications, media relations, and content-driven digital engagement. This role is responsible for the development and execution of press and communication strategies, manages key media relationships, and ensures consistent, high‑quality messaging across channels, in conjunction with other marketing team members The manager leads the planning, production, and performance optimization of digital communications—including e‑newsletters and content campaigns—and provides strategic direction for social media in partnership with the Digital Marketing Specialist.

This position serves as a functional lead within the department, establishing workflows, guiding content standards, and supporting organization‑wide communication priorities. Exceptional writing ability and expertise, creativity, strategic vision, sound judgment, social media/digital strategy experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects with cross‑functional teams in a dynamic environment are essential.

Essential Duties:

Media & Public Relations Management

• Manage external communication of organizational priorities, news, press releases, and media pitching.
• Continually identify PR and other earned-media opportunities, internally and externally (through partners and community stakeholders)
• Storytelling & Impact: Translate program work and field data into compelling stories that highlight impact to donors and the public.
• Craft high‑quality press releases, media advisories, story pitches, and communication materials.
• Liaise and collaborate with in-house digital media specialist and photographer to package press releases with video, photos (or other multimedia).
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and community communication partners.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide insights and recommendations to leadership.

Digital & Multi-channel Campaigns:

• Lead planning, content direction, and editorial workflow for recurring e‑newsletters and digital communication campaigns.
• Oversee distribution strategy, audience segmentation, and message optimization.
• Analyze campaign performance, report insights to leadership, and adjust strategy to drive engagement and growth.
• Execute all copywriting needs for e-newsletters
• Liaise with all departments to plan and execute content (e.g, Education, Animal Care, Membership)
• Social Media Content Development / Strategy & Collaboration
• In collaboration with Digital Marketing Specialist, develop social media strategy, priorities, and content direction to broaden reach and align with organizational goals and vision.
• Ensure social content aligns with brand voice, institutional goals, and campaign timelines.
• Assist in monitoring engagement trends and provide strategic recommendations to increase reach and impact.
• Create and compose captions, story ideas for innovative campaigns that strengthen brand awareness, community connection, and strategic positioning.

Department Leadership & Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Serve as a functional leader within the marketing team, helping establish best practices, workflows, and communication standards.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure messaging consistency and support organizational initiatives.
• Provide strategic support to the VP of Marketing & Communications on department priorities, communication planning, and project execution.
• Oversee management of marketing assets, ensuring efficient organization and accessibility across teams.
• Project & Team Management: Overseeing editorial calendars, managing external vendors and consultants, and directly supervising staff, including providing professional development.

SECONDARY DUTIES

General

• Contribute to organization‑wide strategic initiatives and culture building.
• Promote and practice inclusivity, equity, and belonging in all communications and collaborations.
• Stay informed about industry trends through AZA participation, conferences, and professional development.
• Support institutional events, public programs, fundraising campaigns, and community initiatives.
• Model conservation values and sustainable practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Guest Relations

• Warmly greet guests and express appreciation for their visit.
• Respond promptly to phone, voicemail, and email inquiries.
• Maintain work areas to Zoo cleanliness and safety standards.
• Assist guests with information and respond to concerns per Zoo procedures.
• Adhere to uniform and appearance guidelines.
• Exemplify Guest Relations principles, Core Values, and the Employee Pledge.
• Apply sustainable practices whenever possible.

POSITION CRITERIA

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or digital strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute communication plans, write press materials, and manage digital content.
• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar) and performance analytics.
• Strong background in social media strategy, content planning, or community engagement.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional projects in a fast‑paced environment with multiple deadlines.
• Prior experience supporting or advising senior leadership on communications strategy is strongly preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit or mission‑driven environments is beneficial, but not required.
• Track record of contributing to measurable outcomes, such as: audience growth, engagement, and brand visibility.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of a Department of Justice LiveScan background check.
• Valid Driver’s License with good driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Professional knowledge of marketing principles, digital and social media platforms, analytics, and brand strategy
• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines, remain calm, act quickly under pressure, and manage high-stress situations effectively and gracefully.
• Ability to anticipate potential issues to minimize crises and to rapidly adjust to changing circumstances and urgent requests.
• Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable working style.
• Strategic thinker capable of translating complex goals into actionable strategies
• Skilled in partnership building, media relations, and community engagement
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessible storytelling
• High emotional intelligence, resilience, and integrity
• Relationship cultivation skills with media and other Zoo partners.
• Ability to work successfully in open, shared work environment.

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

Compensation: $36.00 - $40.00 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.