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Public Relations Specialist- Global Center for Species Survival

If you are a remarkable storyteller, have a passion for wildlife, and are skilled at the KSAs of impactful Public Relations, here’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! The Indianapolis Zoo has created a new Public Relations Specialist position that will be in charge of the communications coming out of the new Global Center for Species Survival. Working with a new staff of coordinators who connect the conservation work done by thousands of experts on the front lines of saving species, this PR Specialist will have a deep pool of content to dive into but will need to develop relationships, strategies and reach a local and global audience.
 
About the Indianapolis Zoo and the Global Center for Species Survival:
 
The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country that does not receive direct government or tax support. The Zoo relies on donors, sponsors, philanthropy and the community to complete its mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. One of the Zoo’s most high-profile conservation efforts is the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading award for animal conservation, which since its inception has awarded more than $2 million and in 2020, stories of the prize reached more than 2.6 billion people globally. The Zoo’s new Global Center for Species Survival solidifies its role internationally as a hub for species conservation efforts. Made possible through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Global Center supports nearly 10,000 conservation experts working in the field to save species. Those experts are all coordinated through the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, a global authority focused on a thriving future for all plants, animals and fungi around the world. 
 
Position Summary:
 
The Public Relations Specialist is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of a strategic communications plan to position the Indianapolis Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival as the leading voice for the conservation of flora and fauna worldwide and across all media channels. Working in conjunction with Zoo leadership, the specialist develops and implements strategies and tactics that inform, educate and positively shape public attitudes and perceptions about the Indianapolis Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival and its impact on saving wild things and wild places. 
 
Duties and Responsibilities are but not limited to:
 
  • Create strategies to build and maintain national, regional and local communications plans and tactics to support the Zoo’s long-term objectives for the Global Center For Species Survival. 
  • Aggressively pursue opportunities to increase the visibility of the Zoo’s mission and partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  
  • Service media with conservation news releases and actively pitch story concepts, conservation successes, and ideas based on the work coming out of the Global Center. 
  • Measure increasing media coverage of Zoo conservation efforts tied to the Center, and the Indianapolis Prize honorees tied to the Center and IUCN. 
  • Tell the stories of conservationists through coordinating video from the field. Write, produce and edit videos for the YouTube channel, website, social media, news media, etc. 
  • Work in conjunction and support crisis communication and public relations efforts as required. 
  • Participate in update meetings with Global Center staff to understand new developments in wildlife conservation connected to the work out of the Center. 
 
Requirements:
 
  • Must be an advanced user of Microsoft Word, WordPress Web Content Management System, Photoshop and Power Point, and Mac computer. 
  • Must have knowledge and abilities in photography and video production and editing, audio, and podcast equipment and production. 
  • Must be able to operate digital camera at an advanced level and be familiar with laptop and projection systems. 
  • This position requires a storyteller, a visionary with ability to organize communications on a high level.
  • Requires some evening and weekend work. 
  • This position will have frequent exposure to outdoor conditions. 
  • Minimum five years of experience in the field of public relations, communications, or journalism – some conservation background preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills; skilled at photography, videography, and video editing. Strong detail person. 
  • Bachelor’s in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field preferred.
  • Multi-lingual abilities a plus, especially French. 

The Zoo offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, a 403(b) Retirement Plan, and Life Insurance. We also offer generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, and complimentary Zoo membership for employees. 
 
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a criminal history and driving record check, and a drug screen. 
 
To apply:
  • Interested candidates MUST complete an online application on the Zoo’s website. 
  • Please include a cover letter, resumé, and compensation requirements. 
  • The deadline to submit an application is Feb 25, 2021.
 
 
The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Drug- Free/Smoke- Free/Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)/ Child Safe Work Environment.