Lincoln Park Zoo is hiring: Social Media Manager in Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Social Media Manager oversees the zoo’s storytelling strategy across various social channels such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, zoolife, X, and BlueSky. The Social Media Manager plays a crucial role in supporting the zoo’s social strategy as the social media “voice of the zoo” including oversight of innovative written and produced content for target audiences. Additionally, this role understands unique content for various target audiences and is goal-oriented toward increasing engagement across channels. This role reports to the Director of Public Relations and Communications and works closely with the Video Creator/Editor, Marketing & Events team, Animal Care team, and other area experts across the zoo. This role serves as the supervisor for the Social Media Coordinator.

Please note: Candidates must include at least one writing and one social media video sample/link with their applications to be considered. Please include links to these samples in your resume or cover letter.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Oversee the social media strategy for Lincoln Park Zoo
2. Understand and implement a social media content mix including mission, revenue, and zoo operations
3. Become knowledgeable about various animal taxa, science and conservation terminology, and zoo programs and initiatives
4. Draft and execute promotional posts for events and programs in concert with Marketing Manager
5. Build and maintain digital communities within social channels
6. Moderate social channels and respond to questions and comments from the public as needed
7. Identify possible crises or concerns and swiftly alert area experts and respond strategically and appropriately
8. Assist with content creation across the zoo’s main social media channels maintaining adherence to zoo style guide, channel strategy, and voice
9. Lend expertise and provide assistance for Executive Leadership social media platforms
10. Realtime event social media coverage as needed
11. Developing new concepts or opportunities for social engagement
12. Researching new social media platforms and making informed recommendations on behalf of the zoo
13. Seek, scope, propose, and execute storytelling opportunities across social channels
14. Identify and build relationships with potential partners, influencers, and microinfluencers in coordination with the Marketing Manager
15. Occasional filming assistance and social-first video editing alongside the zoo’s Video Creator/Editor
16. Oversee social media reporting and tracking
17. Work closely with Public Relations and Marketing teams to sync organic social media with paid media and campaigns to achieve zoo priorities and strategic plans
18. Act as moderator on private Facebook groups for zoo boards and volunteers
19. Interact with internal and external audiences via telephone, e-mail and in person
20. Support internal and external partners with social media posts or reviews
21. Aiding day-to-day operational needs of communications department including but not limited to department support, event assistance, and office administration tasks
22. Oversee the Social Media Coordinator and provide transparent and trusting leadership

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Proven experience through previous role(s) in the fields of social media, digital media, public relations, communications, marketing, and/or videography/photography.
2. Superior writing skills
3. Ability to shoot social-first video and photos using mobile equipment
4. Highly motivated self-starter capable of independent work as well as team projects
5. Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Suite, knowledge of additional editing software a plus
6. Familiarity with Sprout Social or an equivalent social media reporting and listening platform preferred
7. Ability to meet deadlines and to be organized

REQUIREMENTS

1. 3-5 years of experience in social media, content, or a related field. Writing and photo/video experience required.
2. Consistently demonstrate professional work ethic and demeanor
3. Available to work full-time with a flexible schedule that may include occasional nights and/or weekends based on zoo needs. Exact schedule will be in collaboration between the Social Media Manager and Social Media Coordinator to ensure social media coverage.
4. Candidates must include at least one writing and one social media video sample/link with their applications to be considered. Please include these samples in your resume or cover letter. Video does not need to be fully produced; an example of rough editing, an Instagram story, or TikTok may be submitted, for example.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to report to the zoo 3-5 days a week
2. Ability to sit for long periods of time while viewing a computer monitor
3. Ability to work in open office environment
4. Ability to stand and walk on zoo grounds for several hours at a time
5. Ability to adhere to vaccination requirements for access to behind-the-scenes animal spaces

In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include ( benefits are for regular full time):

1. Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
2. Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
3. Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
4. Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
5. Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
6. A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary: $60,000 annually

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.