Organization: Gladys Porter Zoo
(AZA Member)
Location: Brownsville, Texas, United States
Job or Internship: Job
Reports to: Director of Marketing
Basic Function: Public Relations Coordinator is a full-time position. This person works closely with the Director of Marketing to complete all functions required of the department. This person is also cross trained to assist with marketing responsibilities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Media Activities
• Promote the Zoo on weekly TV segments.
• Identify potential media opportunities for the Gladys Porter Zoo.
• Develop and maintain relationships with various media outlets and individuals.
• Research and write press releases, website content and other writing duties as assigned.
• Issue press releases via fax and e-mail.
• Assist in the development and management of media relations.
• Develop scripts, PSAs and publicity activities to promote Zoo on weekly TV segments.
• Assist in scheduling television and radio interviews with various departments.
• Assists in coordination of press events.
Marketing Activities
• Assist in the coordination and distribution of summer passes.
• Mail brochures to travel information centers and fulfill any requests via the Texas Travel File Folder program.
• Assist in generating publicity and awareness about the Zoo in RV parks, schools, Rio Grande Valley communities, etc. by conducting speeches and presentations.
• Participate in travel expos and shows.
• Assist in placement and coordination of marketing materials such as event tickets, advertisements, exhibit collateral, etc.
• Performs administrative duties as assigned like coordination and set-up of Public Relations Committee Meetings.
Special Events
• Identify, develop and manage relationships with special event or exhibit sponsors.
• Solicit and manage media sponsorships for special events.
• Assist in event planning for all special events: Zoofari, Boo at the Zoo, Zoo Nights and Lights, etc.
• Assist in coordination of Spouses’ Social and VIP parties.
• Decorate and maintain breezeway display.
• Assist with the coordination and decoration of all parade entries.
• Assist in the coordination and delegation of volunteers.
Other
• Assist in managing and developing content for social and new media accounts.
• Any other duties as assigned by Director of Marketing.
Requirements for Employment
1. Personality Traits – Requires creativity, flexibility, patience, and problem solving skills. Must have the ability to deal with people. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with unusual or unexpected situations, which require immediate and sustained attention. Should be self-motivated, friendly, enthusiastic, outgoing and have a positive attitude. Must be comfortable around and/or handling various kinds of animals.
2. Hours of Employment – Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, which may include holidays (both religious and governmental), weekend and evenings.
3. Education and Skills – Must be computer literate and able to efficiently utilize word processing and spreadsheet software. Must be a high school graduate of have a GED; bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or business preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) capability is required. Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. Must have a valid driver’s license.
4. Physical Requirements – Must be able to walk various distances while setting up and producing events, sit at desk for extended periods performing administrative duties, bend or lift objects weighing up to forty pounds and drive a motor vehicle to various Rio Grande Valley cities.
5. Previous Experience – Must be comfortable and have prior experience speaking during television interviews. Additional time in radio and newspaper interviews preferred. Candidate must have strong writing background and provide samples upon request.
Please send resume and cover letter to Director of Marketing Cynthia Galvan at cynthia@gpz.org.