Vice President of Marketing and Communications

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.

Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. From the world's longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins to pioneering the field of conservation psychology, the Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world. We are also making a difference locally by engaging over 2 million zoo guests annually with unique exhibits and programs.

As a key member of the senior management team, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications provides strategic direction and overall management for marketing programs, operations, staff and resources for the Society. It is mainly through the efforts of this department-which includes comprehensive promotional programs, events, marketing-related sponsorships, advertising and public relations, marketing research and analytics, branding and brand execution across channels, and digital platforms-that the Society is able to engage the public and impart its messages of conservation leadership and animal care and welfare.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop, maintain and routinely refresh multi-year strategic marketing plans with a focus on the long-term advancement of the institution. Develop and implement annual marketing plan and budget to raise the institution's profile, drive financial results and build highly engaged communities of support (visitors, members, sponsors, etc.). Develop, direct, and manage resources to ensure quality and timely execution of plans. Work collaboratively to assure open communication and effective coordination of efforts.
• Direct the development and implementation of a comprehensive, balanced marketing program to achieve long-term and short-term goals and objectives, including but not limited to: driving attendance, revenues, and strategic brand positioning, and awareness of the Chicago Zoological Society's programmatic "Centers of Excellence" and destination experience - "Brookfield Zoo."
• Work collaboratively to plan and execute comprehensive admissions pricing strategies and monitor results routinely to determine effectiveness in achieving objectives (financial and behavioral - visitation, membership, in-park attractions, etc.).
• Plan and direct comprehensive promotional programs optimizing channels to drive attendance, revenue, and awareness of the Society's programs and destination - "Brookfield Zoo" - aligned with the Society's brand discovery results.
• Work with appropriate staff to maintain and grow existing clients and actively pursue new marketing-related sponsorships. Negotiate contracts in accordance with Society policies and oversee contract execution and administration.
• Manage key internal / external relationships and activities, including inter-departmental resources, and public relations, advertising and sponsorship sales agencies under contract. Annually, conduct and report on agency performance, including appropriate quantitative and qualitative results.
• Oversee market research activities and investigate relevant local and national trends (industry - AZA, museums, leisure etc.; consumer; sponsor; etc.) to provide meaningful analysis and data needed for management decision making. Integrate findings and results into CZS marketing plans and activities as appropriate. Evaluate existing, develop and plan new strategic initiatives for high-impact marketing outcomes (brand relevance, awareness, visitation, financial support, etc.).
• Work collaboratively across departments on product development and related communication strategies. Oversee branding, creative vision and brand execution across channels (including but not limited to: internal and external communications - signage, in-park promotions, publications, print, website, video, mobile, social, etc.). Support Society-wide communication priorities, including raising our institutional profile in Chicagoland and building highly-engaged strategic communities of support.
• Oversee digital, social and mobile administration. Optimize our website and social media to promote the Chicago Zoological Society's stories, activities, and destination - Brookfield Zoo. Ensure robust, vibrant digital platforms that elevate the Society's conservation ethic and endeavors and engage audiences in the Society's many programs.
• Lead and manage the Marketing staff and operations. Maintain best practices and implement new protocols to ensure internal controls, effectiveness, and efficiency in Marketing and Communications. Leverage routine dashboards, analysis, and other communication tools to provide business intelligence and demonstrate results.
• Develop and implement actions to improve workplace culture with an emphasis on driving results and fostering inclusion. Actively lead employee engagement, talent development, recruitment, and retention initiatives in Marketing and Communications. Leverage organizational resources to drive positive outcomes.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations/Communications, Advertising or other directly relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant marketing management experience at a senior management level overseeing staff, resources, and marketing operations (media buying, public relations, digital / social media, sponsorship sales, events, research, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience developing strategic marketing plans and programs, developing and managing budgets, and producing high-quality deliverables within stated timeframes.
• Demonstrated track record and competence in all aspects of marketing including but not limited to: communications, public relations, market research, promotions, advertising, sponsorships, and events.
• Creative individual with the ability to think strategically and manage changing priorities, emergent issues, multiple projects, and clients.
• Solid analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Must be able to assimilate information quickly and translate to Society's marketing activities and needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills. Must be articulate and able to represent the organization effectively to both internal and external audiences.
• Effective management and leadership skills. Ability to lead, organize, manage, and motivate staff and allocate resources to achieve desired results.
• Executive presence.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively under stress and meet critical deadlines.
• Proficiency with relevant software including: personal productivity software, market research, analytics (traditional and digital media - web, social, mobile), and C.R.M.
• Ability to effectively collaborate to implement institutional goals/objectives.
• Cultural competency - ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience and staff.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

The desirable qualifications include:

• Master's Degree in Marketing, Public Relations/Communications, Advertising or other directly relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Non-profit management experience.
• Destination marketing and events experience.
• Sponsorship sales experience.
• Communications industry / digital media experience.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

This is a highly visible position, interacting with all departments as well as the entire range of external constituencies. The incumbent's energy, creativity, and commitment to the mission of the organization will reflect the importance of the Society, its conservation purpose, and its diverse programs and offerings, the Chicago Zoological Society and the Brookfield Zoo, and the organization's image and brand in the local Chicago metropolitan marketplace, as well as on the national and international stages. Incumbent must be able to maintain a sensitive balance between bottom line and Society mission, goals and objectives, internal and external relationships, program quality, and effectiveness.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.