Associate VP of Marketing and Communications

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

• →Champion the organization’s brand identity and voice across all platforms and audiences.
• →Develop and execute integrated marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to elevate visibility, enhance reputation, and drive strategies that increase attendance, revenue, and visitor satisfaction.
• →Ensure that marketing strategies support both earned revenue and contributed income, including fundraising campaigns targeting individual, corporate, and institutional donors.
• →Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging that supports the goals of philanthropy, operations, education, and conservation.
• →Oversee all functions of the marketing department, including advertising, media relations, digital strategy, social media, content creation, donor collateral, and promotional campaigns.
• →Direct the creation of mission-aligned content for digital, print, video, signage, and social platforms to engage donors, members, and the public.
• →Manage media relations, including proactive storytelling and crisis communication, to maintain a positive public image.
• →Create compelling, impact-driven content that engages donors, members, and the public, reinforcing the Zoo’s Mission and promoting a culture of philanthropy.
• →Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, tourism agencies, and community organizations to amplify Nashville Zoo’s presence.
• →Leverage data analytics and audience insight to optimize marketing strategies, guide donor segmentation, personalize outreach, and measure campaign performance.
• →Guide audience segmentation to personalize outreach and improve campaign effectiveness.
• →Oversee the marketing and PR budget, ensuring strategic, ROI-driven investments.
• →Represent the Zoo at industry events, media engagements, and community initiatives to strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• →Serve on the leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational development.
• →Liaise with the Board of Directors as directed by the CEO.
• →Demonstrate a daily commitment to Nashville Zoo’s mission and values.
• →Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Skills:

• Strong command of current and emerging marketing technologies, tools, and platforms.
• Skilled in leveraging data, analytics, and research to drive decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, ideally within a complex or public-facing organization.
• Expertise in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Ability to develop and execute strategies while also being a “doer ”who implements plans effectively.
• Broad understanding of audience segmentation and demographic trends.
• Experienced thought partner and strategist capable of elevating brand visibility and engagement.
• Relationship-driven and collaborative.
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in marketing and public relations leadership roles, preferably in the nonprofit, cultural, tourism, or entertainment sectors.

• Proven, comprehensive marketing background with hands-on experience across all marketing disciplines.

Physical Responsibilities:

• Work environment is a typical office setting; must be able to sit/stand for an extended time.
• Must be able to walk throughout the zoo when needed.
• Must be able to view a computer screen and type for extended periods of time.
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week. Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed to connect with supporters and participate in zoo events.
• Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.