JOB SUMMARY
The Communications Specialist is responsible for executing all communications and marketing efforts to promote events, programs, and activities of the Living Coast Discovery Center (LCDC), with guidance from the Director of Development and Communications. This role creates, develops and coordinates all communications, marketing, and promotional activities of the Living Coast. The position is responsible for the execution and maintenance of our website, email campaigns, social media, advertising, external communications, promotions, and other communications efforts. The position ensures that our mission of environmental education & wildlife conservation is represented consistently and thoughtfully throughout all communications efforts.
DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
General:
- Develop, implement, and coordinate communications efforts to advance organizational goals and increase brand awareness
- Create online promotions, advertisements, and other marketing materials to grow online audience including social media followers, email subscribers, and website users
- Promote all Living Coast programs and events to increase attendance and daily admissions
- Design and produce diverse collateral materials, including emails, flyers, signage, graphics, videos, and other promotional materials to support campaigns and events
- Utilize platforms including MailChimp, WordPress, and Meta tools to review analytics
- Collaborate with all departments to reach organizational goals
- Update all travel/review/blog and other web profiles regularly (Yelp, Google Business, etc)
- Work with consultants and third-party vendors as needed, to ensure branding, quality, consistency, and timely project execution
- Research and stay current with marketing best practices and trends
- Prepare marketing analytics including social media, email campaigns, and website
- Assist Director of Development & Communication with the Communications budget
Communications Coordination:
Email Campaigns
- Create targeted email campaigns building segments to ensure effective communications
- Create and distribute monthly e-newsletter and other weekly email communications
- Write compelling copy, design mobile-friendly layouts, and create assets for campaigns
- Conduct tests, segmenting, and track key metrics and report on results to refine future efforts
Social Media
- Lead social media efforts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) including creation and management of all content including photos and videos
- Work across departments to create and update content calendars and posting schedules
- Work with staff to create and implement brand/mission awareness campaigns
- Stay current with zoological/environmental communications tactics
Advertising
- Grow and execute all advertising campaigns on various platforms, as needed
- Track the use of Google Ad Grant to increase brand awareness
Website
- Update and maintain WordPress website including design, layout, and copy edits as needed
- Coordinate with staff to update event calendar with onsite and offsite programming regularly
- Review and implement best SEO practices, manage digital marketing efforts, and align website goals with overall communications strategy
- Manage hosting, servers, software updates, security, accessibility plugin, and troubleshoot performance issues
Development
- Work closely with Development team to design materials to promote fundraising events
- Assist in the design and coordination of multiple fundraising campaigns a year, including the year-end appeal, Giving Tuesday, and other online appeals/giving vehicles
- Write and design the annual report with guidance from leadership, and across departments
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing/communications, journalism, business, or related experience
- 2+ years of marketing or communications experience, preferably with a nonprofit organization
- Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills; outstanding grammar, spelling, and editing
- A thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Content creation and experience in multiple social media platforms and email campaigns
- Should be a proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently
- Must be able to set priorities, solve problems, and be resourceful
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, or nonprofit
- Knowledge of Wordpress website development and maintenance
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, Canva, iPhone, and Mac systems
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position is an office job but may require attendance at some out of office community outreach events. Occasional driving to meetings and events. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 20 lbs. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Note: This position requires a minimum availability of 4 days per week, including one weekend day (28-32 hours/week). Schedule may vary depending on events, meetings, and onsite priorities. This job description is intended as a guide to the general job responsibilities and is not inclusive of every duty the employee is expected to perform.
The Living Coast Discovery Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to Lenise Andrade, Director of Development & Communications via email at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
