Job Description

If you're a communications professional with a passion for storytelling, collaboration, and creating meaningful engagement across diverse audiences, your next career move could be with the Indianapolis Zoo! We're seeking a Communications Specialist to join our Public Relations team.

The Communications Specialist plays a vital role in strengthening the Zoo's internal and external communications. Reporting to the Director of Public Relations, this position helps foster an environment that celebrates achievements, highlights milestones, and ensures that important information is shared clearly, respectfully, and on time.

The ideal candidate is committed to the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. Success in this role comes from building strong relationships across departments. Staying organized and managing multiple deadlines is essential, as the position supports several internal platforms and regular newsletters. A successful Communications Specialist proactively identifies meaningful stories and opportunities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all messaging.

What You'll Do

• Work closely with the PR team to develop and implement a strategic communications plan for both internal and external communications.
• Meet regularly with various departments to ensure outgoing communications are planned, curated and delivered on time, and free of errors.
• Build, design and ultimately deliver newsletter content for various sections of Zoo administration in a timely and efficient manner.
• Create content for Zoo social media platforms (assisting the Digital Communications Manager) in keeping content fresh and timely for current trends.
• Respond to media requests as needed and work with visiting media teams.
• Cultivate and curate emotionally compelling and impactful stories.
• Maintain organizational assets including video, photos, graphics, and more.
• Work closely with the Global Center for Species Survival staff to share achievements and conservation efforts taking place across the globe.
• Support the Education Department as needed by creating content, highlighting events and programs and ensuring opportunities to share information are maximized.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of related work experience in public relations, communications or journalism is preferred. Conservation experience a plus.
• Familiarity with e-marketing systems is required.
• Basic HTML knowledge is preferred.
• Experience with layout and photo quality/size standards for professional presentation.
• Demonstrated storytelling ability and strong communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, with an emphasis on proofreading.
• Must be an advanced user of Microsoft SharePoint and related programs.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, 40-hour/week position. The responsibilities require in-person work at the Zoo administration building. Hours may vary according to special events, including some weekend and evening work.
• Work occurs primarily in indoor environments but includes some exposure to outdoor conditions such as inclement weather, extreme temperatures and humidity.

Why the Indianapolis Zoo?

Join a mission-driven team where your communication skills will help make a global impact. As a unique institution accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, the Indianapolis Zoo offers an inspiring environment for innovation, education, and conservation.

How to Apply:

Please include a resume, cover letter and salary requirements.

Applicants must submit 3-5 diverse writing samples at the time of application. These can be uploaded in the documents section where the resume and cover letter are uploaded.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.