Communications Specialist

City of Garden City•Garden City, KS

About The Position

The Communications Specialist oversees the development of zoo graphic materials and interactive displays and keeps content across the zoo website, Channel 8, social media, and other mass communication channels current. The role researches animal-related information for signage, volunteer manuals, programs, web pages, and media releases, and ensures messaging and imagery are consistent with the Zoo’s brand and mission. The specialist also supports the Conservation Awareness team and related zoo activities as approved. The position develops and evaluates communications across multiple platforms, monitors online engagement, maintains zoo graphics and displays, supports budgets and grant opportunities, and contributes to the Zoo’s crisis communications. It includes public and media communication, event and education-program setup, staff training, and responding to public wildlife inquiries under senior management oversight. Most work is indoors in a controlled environment; the remainder takes place outdoors in all types of weather. Work may involve exposure to allergens, fur, dust, plants, and paints. The position requires using a broad range of computer, audiovisual, vehicle, maintenance, and craft equipment, and the ability to lift up to 60 pounds and perform activities such as walking, kneeling, climbing, pushing, reaching, driving, and speaking to public audiences.

Requirements

A four-year degree from a college or university in wildlife biology, education, mass communications, graphic design, or a related field, and at least one year of experience in zoo or environmental education activities; alternatively, an associate’s degree in a relevant field and at least two years of graphics experience.
Valid Kansas driver’s license.
Skill in teaching, public relations, and mass communication principles and practices.
Knowledge of wildlife biology, zoo management, and educational methods.
Ability to coordinate varied work activities with close attention to detail.
Ability to communicate with City staff and officials, community organizations, and the public through a variety of communication channels.
Ability to use computers, computer technology, software, and scanning equipment.
Ability to use digital and audiovisual equipment, including cameras, speakers, microphones, televisions, monitors, and studio lights.
Ability to understand and clearly communicate written and verbal instructions in English, and communicate effectively in writing and verbally with individuals and groups of all ages and abilities.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crawl, bend, climb a ladder, push, reach, hear, see, write, drive, type, and speak aloud to public audiences.

Responsibilities

Recommend, research, create, and update content for the zoo website, Channel 8, social media, and other public media.
Use Adobe Creative Suite and editing software to produce materials for websites, social media, zoo graphics, flyers, posters, and other graphic needs.
Monitor and report on website and social media traffic and trends.
Coordinate with the Director to create media for multiple platforms, strengthen online presence, and engage in-person and virtual guests with conservation messaging.
Work with the Director to develop and implement methods for evaluating the impact of social media messaging.
Assess, develop, recommend, and maintain zoo graphics and interactive displays, including research, planning, fabrication, directional signage, and temporary displays.
Assemble digital components such as text, photographs, illustrations, and backgrounds.
Keep current with industry standards and trends, recommend graphics and interactive-display upgrades or expansion, and participate in mass communication avenues.
Assist the Director with budget development and oversight as assigned; coordinate and submit requests and reports for Finnup Center projects funded by Finnup Trust with the Conservation Awareness Manager and Zoo Director.
Participate in staff training, including emergency preparedness, first-responder, and basic firearms-safety training.
Recommend and pursue grants to support activities within areas of responsibility.
Help set up and tear down events and educational programs, including tables, chairs, displays, and tents.
Coordinate acquisition of supplies and materials for areas of responsibility with the Director.
Take a rotation writing and submitting a weekly newspaper column; provide information for media, reports, surveys, and statistics; and respond to public wildlife inquiries under senior management oversight.
Assist the Director and Deputy Director with developing, maintaining, and implementing the Zoo’s Crisis Communication Plan.
Serve as the Zoo’s media spokesperson when assigned.
Arrange work areas with appropriate safeguards to support health and safety.