Marketing and Communications Coordinator

The Organization

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation (Foundation) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to help realize the mission of the Minnesota Zoo by raising contributed income from individuals, corporations, and foundations; securing planned gifts; hosting cultivation and fund-raising events; leading and/or participating in Zoo programs and activities; and advocating on behalf of the Zoo. Our vision is a future where wildlife thrives in Minnesota and beyond, and our mission is to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

 

Position Description

The Marketing & Communications Coordinator will support the Minnesota Zoo Foundation's comprehensive marketing and communications work to advance the philanthropic goals of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation (the Foundation). As a member of the communications team, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator is tasked with creating compelling copy and content that elevates awareness of the Foundation's mission, as well as ensuring marketing and communication projects and production moves forward efficiently. The Marketing & Communications Coordinator will report to the Executive Director while supporting and taking some direction from the Communications Manager. The person in this role is expected to work 30-40 hours per week.

 

Please note: This role is a hybrid position, and is onsite at the Minnesota Zoo a minimum of two – three days each week, with some additional time required to support events, including occasional nights or weekends. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a set starting wage range (listed below), who will report to the Executive Director.

 

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: N/A

Type of Position: Full-time (40 hrs / week), non-exempt

Wages: $23 - $30/hr based on experience & qualifications, + competitive benefits

Benefits eligible: All - Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, Life / Short Term / Long Term Disability Insurance, 401K, HSA (including employer contribution), Paid Parental, Medical, and Caregiver leave

 

How to Apply: Email cover letter and resume to FoundationJobs@mnzoo.org

Applications received by Sunday,  March 10, 2024 will receive first consideration.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Content Creation (30%)

• Write emails for the Foundation and its various teams including annual giving, major giving, and institutional giving. Create content for the annual impact report, newsletters, event materials, and other communications as needed. Utilize Classy to design landing pages that further communication efforts and messaging for Give to the Max Day, Minnesota Zoo Foundation Giving Day, newsletters, calendar and fiscal year end appeals, and for other efforts as needed. Work with the Communications Manager to write compelling social media content for general Foundation awareness, marketing copy for sponsorship opportunities, major giving opportunities, Foundation events, and more.

Coordination (60%)

• Coordinate email production for the Foundation and its various teams including annual giving, major giving, and institutional giving. Coordinate the creation of Foundation print projects with the Zoo's graphic design team and coordinate the print process with the Foundation's print vendor. Coordinate with external media vendors, including creative and media buying agencies, to ensure we're managing timelines, coordinating internally on sponsor requirements, providing needed copy and imagery, and proofing accordingly. Project manage the annual impact report creation to ensure deadlines are met, as well as gathering imagery, working with Zoo on design pieces, and coordinating with the Zoo to publish the report on MNZoo.org. Support the Foundation's various teams with communications requests from creation of event collateral to stewardship materials to sponsorship reports. Maintain sent email archive for Foundation reference. Work with Zoo on Foundation webpage updates, redirecting URL's as needed, and hosting materials on MNZoo.org. Compile digital assets (photo and video) and implement a tagging system for easy reference via an online platform. Work with the Zoo's communications and marketing teams to share Foundation content on MNZoo.org, in Zoo emails, and on Zoo social platforms.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the tracking of digital analytics utilizing a monthly dashboard. Provide photography and videography support for communications materials and act as staff photographer at donor events. Participate through active involvement in team and all staff meetings, events, and training. Provide on-site support for events and programs as needed by the Foundation, which typically occur on the weekends or in the evenings. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the changing needs of the organization and the successful candidate’s interests, aptitude, and experience.

 

Work Experience and Qualification Requirements

Minimum Skills & Experience Required

• 2+ years of communications experience 1-2 years of copywriting experience Knowledge of AP style Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills Experience working with a project management tool like Monday.com, Asana, or similar products Demonstrated experience working with media companies, printers, designers, and other vendors Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects concurrently and completing on time Demonstrated success in working effectively with staff at all levels of an organization Demonstrated experience in email marketing platforms, content development, and strategy Ability to easily adapt to change

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop Experience with video design software, particularly Premiere Experience working in a marketing, advertising, or creative agency Demonstrated experience in email marketing platforms, content development, and strategy for nonprofits, including fundraising appeals A valid driver’s license, with a safe driving record, and at least one year of driving experience travel to offsite meetings or other responsibilities.

 

Education Requirements

Required: High School Diploma or GED Professional certifications, coursework, or relevant professional experience

Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree

                    

General Foundation Qualification Requirements

• Collaborative style and the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals both inside the organization and out in the community. Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status. Ability to clearly represent and present the mission and vision of the Minnesota Zoo. Ability to work independently and proactively while keeping supervisor apprised of issues, opportunities, and progress. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues in multiple departments/divisions. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines. High degree of integrity, ethical decision making, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Occasional evening and weekend work required and must be capable of planning and managing independent travel.

Physical, Travel, and Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. May need to work occasional weekends and evenings dependent on Foundation events. Must attend monthly and quarterly editorial meetings. Required to use a computer and phone; Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping; Ability to navigate the Zoo premises and accompany donors and prospects on tours or provide photography and videography support for content in variable weather conditions, both indoor and outdoor. Exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including lifting objects up to shoulder level. Moderate noise level in an office setting, occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions on the campus of the Minnesota Zoo. Time spent on computer: 75%. Time spent in virtual or in-person meetings: 20%. Occasional driving personal vehicle to run errands for the Foundation will be required. This is a hybrid work position, onsite at the Minnesota Zoo 2-3 days per week

Last Reviewed: 02/23/2024

 

Minnesota Zoo Foundation Equal Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation to comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. The Foundation provides equal opportunity employment for all qualified persons. All our employment practices, benefits and programs will be administered without regard to actual or perceived race (inclusive of traits associated with race, such as hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locs, and twists), color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status or military history, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, family history or familial status, genetic information, union membership, creed, status with respect to receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, use of lawful consumable products, or any other basis protected by Federal, State or local law.

This commitment extends to all phases of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, job assignment, transfers, training and development, promotions, demotions, discipline, compensation, benefits, terminations, layoff, recall, transfer, access to benefits, leaves of absences, and all other conditions or privileges associated with employment.

The Foundation expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment or discrimination based on any of the characteristics mentioned above. Improper interference with the ability of other employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.

The Foundation will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to an individual’s physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and/or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon the Foundation’s business operations.