Director of Marketing & Communications

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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

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Director of Marketing & Communications

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Given objectives set forth by the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic marketing and communications plan aligned with the Riverbanks mission and to enhance the overall strategic plan, drive the brand, promote Riverbanks' image and engage various audiences. Directly oversees a dynamic team including marketing, public relations, graphics, and call center.

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Essential Functions:

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Leadership & Strategic Planning

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• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with Riverbanks\ mission, strategic plan, and organizational priorities.

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• Develop, monitor, and evaluate departmental goals, objectives, and performance metrics using visitor demographics, attendance trends, market research, and guest feedback to inform strategic decision-making.

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• Ensure data-driven decision-making through analytics, audience segmentation, campaign performance tracking, and return-on-investment measurement.

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• Assist in the development of park-wide goals, initiatives, and strategic priorities that support Riverbanks\ mission and long-term growth.

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• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development for staff within marketing, public relations, graphic design, and call center functions.

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• Ensure Riverbanks\ conservation, education, animal care, and community impact stories are effectively communicated to strengthen public engagement and organizational support.

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Marketing & Audience Development

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• Lead the development and execution of marketing campaigns across paid, earned, owned, and shared channels to increase awareness, attendance, program participation, and revenue.

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• Oversee the development of promotional partnerships, cross-promotional opportunities, and strategic collaborations that expand Riverbanks\ reach and impact.

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• Manage partnership with advertising agency and their oversight of campaign strategy, media planning, creative development, placement, and performance evaluation.

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• Identify and cultivate new audience segments and market opportunities that support attendance growth, conservation awareness, and community engagement.

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• Collaborate with operational, animal, education, conservation, membership and development teams to align marketing strategies with organizational goals and visitor experiences.

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Communications & Public Relations

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• Direct media relations efforts to strengthen Riverbanks\ public profile, brand reputation, and position as a leader in wildlife conservation, education, and recreation.

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• Develop and implement proactive public relations strategies, media outreach efforts, and storytelling initiatives that generate positive earned media coverage.

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• Lead crisis communications planning and response efforts, serving as a key advisor on issues management and public messaging.

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• Steward cross-departmental collaboration to identify compelling stories and audience connections that advance Riverbanks\ mission and strategic priorities.

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• Oversee organizational messaging and communications initiatives to ensure consistency across public, internal, member, donor, sponsor, and community audiences.

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Creative Services

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• Collaborate and guide the development of website content, social media content, onsite graphics and other multimedia assets that support marketing, communications, fundraising, education, and conservation objectives.

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• Ensure all public-facing communications, advertising, creative assets, and visual materials align with Riverbanks\ brand standards, voice, style, and organizational values.Maintain and evolve Riverbanks\ brand standards to ensure consistency and relevance across all channels and audiences.

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Financial & Organizational Leadership

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• Develop and manage departmental budgets and revenue strategies in support of Riverbanks\ strategic business plan and annual operating goals.

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• Evaluate marketing and communications investments to maximize efficiency, effectiveness, and return on organizational resources.

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• Oversee the call center to ensure exceptional guest service, accurate information delivery, and alignment with organizational messaging and visitor engagement goals.

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• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Riverbanks\ mission and organizational priorities.

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Education and Experience: Bachelor\s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related business field preferred; and four to five years of experience in a management or supervisory position in marketing or communications, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, conservation-related field or attraction; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Previous senior management and high-level decision-making experience is a must. The ideal candidate will have solid personnel management skills and must be able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication, organization, and follow-through. Must possess a valid S.C. driver\s license.

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We're not just looking for someone to fill a role. We're looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about developing engaging marketing campaigns and connecting audiences to our mission, are eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we'd love to hear from you!

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How to Apply

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Please apply directly through our webpage:

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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

500 Wildlife Parkway

Columbia, SC 29210

Phone: 803-779-8717

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Visit our website

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