Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Job DetailsJob LocationOmaha Zoo - Omaha, NEPosition TypeFull TimeVice President of Marketing and CommunicationsJob Title: Vice President of Marketing and CommunicationsFLSA Status: ExemptReports To: Senior Vice President of Guest Experience, Brand and RevenueDate: January 2025Hours: Full-timeSummary:The Vice President (VP) of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and brand strategy that drives revenue, enhances visibility and strengthens positive brand perception for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. Reporting directly to the SVP of Guest Experience, Brand and Revenue, the VP is a vital member of the Zoo's senior leadership team. This results-oriented executive leads a high-performing team of marketing and communications professionals and is a key driver of cross-functional alignment, goal setting and execution within the organization.A key objective of this role includes driving revenue growth through increased membership and attendance by delivering engaging, inclusive and innovative marketing strategies tailored by audience and optimized by performance. The VP will cater to diverse visitor segments, ensuring a memorable guest experience through integrated marketing and brand strategy.The VP will enhance the organization's performance marketing capabilities and brand strategy by executing impactful campaigns, managing a dynamic team, and ensuring seamless external and internal communications.Duties and Responsibilities:Lead a results-driven team that delivers strategic, on-brand, professional work to serve clear outcomes, including goals, metrics and KPIs. Iterate process as necessary to promote efficiency and effectiveness.Define, articulate and steward the Zoo's brand identity, brand standards, messaging and positioning to internal and external stakeholders.Establish governance, content strategy and metrics-driven performance standards for digital platforms, including public profiles and owned media properties such as websites, social media, and email, ensuring alignment with strategies that promote mission, drive conversion, enhance guest experience, and foster brand loyalty.Implement programs to proactively manage reputation and promote positive public image and brand within the Omaha community and the greater Zoo industry.Partner with VP of Guest Experience and their respective revenue-generating leaders of Events, Guest Services, Food & Beverage and Retail, to build marketing and brand strategy that complements a memorable guest experience, boosts attendance and meets revenue goals.Drive consensus among revenue leaders through regular meetings to align and prioritize strategic initiatives, corresponding tactics and launch plans.Partner with key leaders to support guest and member engagement strategy to promote consistent experience and tailored communication before, during and after a visit.Establish and execute an integrated marketing strategy that serves diverse visitor segments and drives loyalty, visitation and spending.Support relationships with and continuous evaluation of external vendors to maintain organizational integrity and alignment with critical partners.Foster positive relationships, alliances and partnerships within the community, including media, sponsors and other cultural organizations to amplify a positive brand perception, visibility and reputation.Regularly report key initiatives, goals and results to team and stakeholders within the organization.Champion optimal guest experience across all strategies.Oversee marketing tooling, from evaluation and contractual agreements to implementation and team utilization.Analyze market trends and competition to ensure differentiation and optimized community presence.Leverage data and insights, member and guest behavior and visitor feedback to inform and optimize campaign strategy.Oversee the annual departmental budget process and be responsible for stewarding organizational funds and adhering to financial responsibilities.Key Competencies:Inclusive Management: Create a collaborative and welcoming environment where diverse perspectives are valued and equitable opportunities are provided, leveraging the strengths of a diverse team to drive innovative marketing strategies.Problem solving: Identify challenges and develop effective solutions to align with organizational goals and drive business results.Leadership: Guide and inspire the team, foster collaboration across departments, and drive alignment toward objectives. Lead with integrity and cultivate a culture of innovation and accountability.Communication: Deliver exceptional verbal and written communication. Articulate ideas clearly and persuasively.Decision making: Leverage data, insights and experience to make informed choices and take calculated risks where needed.Creativity: Innovative mindset to create and execute marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences and drive results.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Demonstrated expertise in delivering cohesive, integrated marketing strategy with proven results.Expertise in digital marketing strategy, including social media, content and programmatic advertising.Proven ability to build and effectively lead a high-performing, hybrid team of in-house resources, consultants and agency partners.High financial and business acumen with strong analytical skills.Expertise in modern marketing best practices and full-funnel customer journey strategy.Strong brand storytelling and deep understanding of how creativity inspires action and emotion through integrated content strategy.Adept at leading a team through multiple complex projects with varying goals, deadlines and deliverables.Guest-centric mindset.Strong steward of brand guidelines and consistency.Adept at communication and messaging strategies to support a resilient brand.Ability to build positive relationships with guests, staff, and external partners.Knowledge of pricing and packaging strategy.Knowledge of sponsorship valuation and partnership strategies.Strong attention to detail with experience in editing and proofreading.Negotiation and management of external contracts to ensure favorable terms.Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office with emphasis in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Supervisory Responsibilities:Directly supervise:Manager of Marketing and Public EventsManager of Community EngagementManager of CommunicationsRequired Experience and Qualifications:At least 10 years working in marketing.At least 5 years of leadership experience in marketing.Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field is preferred; however, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.Work Environment/Physical Demands:Works in an office setting but frequently conducts on-site visits to both the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park. This may include indoor and outdoor areas.The position typically involves regular office hours, but it can also demand flexibility to address issues or emergencies that may arise outside typical working hours, including weekends and evenings.Position requires occasional lifting and carrying of items, equipment, or supplies usually 25 pounds or less.Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist, and have good lateral movement.Travel Required:Ability to travel to attend annual job-related conferences or other zoo-related functions. Travel requirements less than 5%.Remote Work:This is to be determined in conjunction with the Department Head and Zoo policy.DISCLAIMERThe information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.