Working Title: Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
Job Class: Communications Specialist 1
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
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Job ID: 96388
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Location: Apple Valley
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Telework Eligible: No
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 08/19/2026
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Closing Date: 09/01/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
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Division/Unit: Operations / Communications
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Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. with occasional early mornings or evenings
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday with occasional weekends
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Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
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Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position exists to lead the Minnesota Zoo's social media, marketing and e-communications strategies. The role is responsible for developing and implementing clear, consistent and coordinated social media, marketing and e-communications that increase brand awareness, audience engagement and support for the Minnesota Zoo’s mission to save wildlife, while contributing to overall attendance, membership and revenue goals. This position also assists with communication, public and media relations, and marketing initiatives including events, promotions and on-site and off-site media activities.
This position will be required to travel throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and occasionally Statewide.
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In alignment with the Zoo-wide editorial calendar, develop, negotiate and execute a comprehensive social media strategy that increases visibility, audience engagement, and visitation to the Zoo, while promoting awareness of the Zoo’s mission to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife.
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In alignment with the Zoo-wide editorial calendar, develop and share communication content through owned media channels to support Zoo marketing initiatives, strengthen audience engagement, and increase visitation.
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Assist with marketing initiatives and cross-functional projects that promote the Zoo, support attendance goals and strengthen organizational communications.
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Provide coordination and maintenance support for departmental tools, workflows, and digital assets to ensure efficiency and alignment across projects.
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.
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1 year of experience in social media strategy and platforms to plan, create, schedule and manage compelling written, video and visual content for social media channels
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1 year computer skills experience including Microsoft Office Suite, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint) sufficient to collect, organize and analyze data.
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) sufficient to create engaging e-communication and content for social media and digital channels.
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Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and generate alignment and agreement on resolutions with varied internal and external stakeholders
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Experience managing and prioritizing multiple projects and details simultaneously, delivering results on-time and on budget using project tracking tools
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Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a team
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Valid driver's license
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Bachelor's degree in Social Media Marketing, Communication, Marketing, Journalism or related field
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Experience writing, creating, producing and managing strong compelling conservation messaging for social media platforms including text, video, and images
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Experience using digital camera equipment and accessories including microphones and smart phones (iPhone) sufficient to effectively receive, send, edit and manage images, video and text
- Experience in using social media management, asset management and project management platforms
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Experience appearing on camera for media interviews, social media videos, or other public-facing video content.
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Proven experience managing a consumer facing brand social account
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Experience in Zoo and Aquarium industry or consumer facing attraction
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Ability to sit for periods of time, stand for periods of time, walk considerable distances at times and hear/listen for considerable amounts of time
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Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
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Ability to work flexible shifts including nights and weekends
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Ability to navigate challenging physical spaces
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Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions
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Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer key pad, hand a banner, distribute materials, etc.
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Ability to use an audio headset for two-way radio communication during programs and events
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
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Conflict of Interest Review
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Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
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Education Verification
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Employment Reference / Records Check
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License / Certification Verification
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Please be aware that emails from state email addresses may end up in your spam folder. To ensure these emails reach your inbox, add @state.mn.us to your safe sender list or check your spam folder.
State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Veteran’s Preference:
In order to be considered an eligible candidate for Veteran's Preference, apply online and email your valid DD-214 form along with the Job ID# and Position Title by the closing date to
[email protected], or mail to Kay Grunseth, MN Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.
For technical application assistance, please contact MMB Careers.
If you have questions, please visit the page of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email
[email protected].
If you have questions about this position, contact Kay Grunseth at [email protected] or 651-539-6624.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kay Grunseth at [email protected].
Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
