<p>Oakland Zoo</p> <p>Communications Manager</p> <p>The Communications Manager leads public relations, media relations, and internal communications initiatives for the Oakland Zoo. This role serves as a key organizational storyteller, crafting compelling narratives about animal care, conservation efforts, and community impact. The Communications Manager builds media relationships, develops press materials, manages crisis communications, and creates content that engages diverse audiences while advancing the Oakland Zoo's mission and reputation.</p> <p>Essential Job Duties</p> <p>Media Relations & Public Relations</p> <ul> <li>Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts; write and distribute press releases, media alerts, and pitch stories to appropriate outlets </li><li>Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews with Oakland Zoo staff and leadership, and organize media events, press conferences, and behind-the-scenes tours </li><li>Monitor media coverage and maintain media relations database and clip files </li><li>Support development of PR strategies to enhance the Oakland Zoo's reputation and visibility in the community, which includes: identifying and pitching story opportunities showcasing animal welfare, conservation, education, and research, building relationships with community organizations, influencers, and partner institutions and coordinating speaking engagements and community appearances for Oakland Zoo leadership and animal care staff </li><li>Work with Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and execute PR and communications plans for special events, exhibit openings, and seasonal programs. This includes coordinating event press coverage and media attendance and creating event talking points, signage copy, and host scripts </li><li>Manage relationships with influencers, content creators, and media partners </li></ul> <p>General Communications</p> <ul> <li>Manage the team's communications calendar, which includes internal and external communications, advertising dates, partnerships, sponsorships, and events </li><li>Attend meetings with animal care and other departments and report back to the team to ensure they gain insights into zoo activities. </li></ul> <p>Crisis Communications</p> <ul> <li>Support Director in developing and implementing crisis communication plans and protocols. </li></ul> <p>Content Development</p> <ul> <li>Create and edit compelling content across blogs, newsletters, website copy, and scripts by developing storytelling frameworks, translating expert insights into accessible narratives, and ensuring consistency and quality across all communications produced by other departments. </li><li>Develop signage copy with Lead Graphic Designer. </li></ul> <p>Internal Communications</p> <ul> <li>Develop and distribute internal communications (including employee newsletters, intranet content, and leadership messaging) to keep staff informed and engaged </li><li>Support organizational change initiatives with strategic communication planning. </li><li>Develop a comprehensive folder of talking points for staff and volunteers to access throughout the year. Additionally, formulate specific talking points tailored for staff and volunteers. </li><li>Manage digital screen content and work with Marketing and Communications team to create and implement new content </li></ul> <p>Stakeholder Communications</p> <ul> <li>Support communications to key stakeholder groups including donors, members, volunteers, board members, and community partners, and manage annual report development from content gathering through publication </li><li>Perform other related duties as required and assigned. </li></ul> <p>Experience Required</p> <p>Who You Are Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, which must include a minimum of 3years of communications, public relations, or journalism experience. A Bachelor's may be considered equivalent to 3 years of relevant experience, and an Associate's may be considered equivalent to 2 years of relevant experience Demonstrated experience with media relations and securing press coverage Experience working with data collection and publishing through programs like Cision or Meltwater. Experience in writing press releases or similar forms of communications Must be able to work a flexible schedule; occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work for events and media opportunities Bonus if you have... Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field Previous journalism or newsroom experience Crisis communications training or experience Nonprofit, cultural institution, or conservation organization experience Knowledge of AP Style and content management systems Photography or video production skills Passion for wildlife conservation and environmental education</p> <p>Further Comments</p> <p>Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to apply.</p> <p>Perks</p> <p>Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and Zoo Membership options.</p> <p>Salary</p> <p>$71,770.36 - $83,203.03 annually</p> <p>How to Apply</p> <p>https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4140816/Conservation-Society-of-California/Communications-Manager</p> <ul> <li>Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. </li><li>The cover letter should be one page and include details about: the tools, platforms, and systems you've used for communications (e.g., social media, CMS, media monitoring) and how you've used them to improve messaging or outreach, your experience working with media contacts or external communications relationships, examples of content you've created or supported (e.g., press releases, blogs, social media, signage, etc.), and any experience supporting or participating in crisis communications. </li></ul> <p>Oakland Zoo</p> <p>9777 Golf Links Rd</p> <p>Oakland, CA 94605</p> <p>Phone: 5106329525</p>