Position Type: MarketingDate Posted: 12/10/2025Location: Zoo KnoxvilleCommunications Manager
Department: Marketing Date Updated: 12/02/2025
Reports To: Director of Marketing & Sales Status: Full Time, Exempt
Supervises: NA Pay Rate: $48,000-$53,000 Annually
SUMMARY OF POSITION: Under the direction of the Director of Marketing & Sales, the Copywriter / Communications Manager is responsible for crafting and managing all written content that defines Zoo Knoxville’s voice and strengthens engagement with guests, members, and the community.
This position oversees the Zoo’s written communications across all channels, including, but not limited to website copy, marketing campaigns, educational blog posts, press materials, annual reports, and segmented email marketing. The ideal candidate has exceptional writing and editing skills, a strong understanding of audience segmentation, and hands-on experience managing content within email marketing platforms to drive attendance, membership growth, and guest engagement.
RESPONSIBILITIES: As directed, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- As a team member, exemplify Zoo Knoxville’s Core Values through interactions with guests and fellow team members.
Content Creation & Editorial Management
- Write, edit, and proof all marketing and communications materials, including website content, brochures, newsletters, advertising copy, and promotional collateral.
- Develop engaging, educational blog posts weekly to promote Zoo visits, highlight conservation stories, and encourage membership participation and renewal.
- Ensure consistency in tone, voice, and messaging across all public-facing and internal communications.
- Support the creation of mission-driven materials that reflect Zoo Knoxville’s values and connect with diverse audiences.
Email Marketing & Digital Communications
- Plan, write, and manage all Zoo Knoxville email marketing campaigns.
- Create and schedule segmented email communications for members, general audiences, and other targeted groups.
- Manage and execute campaigns within the Zoo’s email marketing platform, ensuring accurate audience segmentation, layout, and delivery.
- Collaborate with the marketing and Guest Experience teams to develop automated and timely campaigns that increase attendance, sales, and engagement.
- Track and analyze email performance metrics, using insights to refine messaging and strategy.
Public Relations & Internal Communications
- Proofread and edit press releases, talking points, public statements, and messaging
- Draft internal and external communications, including executive messages, staff announcements, and organizational updates.
- Write and edit the Zoo’s Annual Report and yearly Board of Directors Review.
- Work across departments to identify stories, milestones, and key achievements to share with both internal and public audiences.
Collaboration & Support
- Partner with the Media Manager, Graphics Coordinator, and agency partners to align written and visual storytelling.
- Collaborate with Guest Experience, Development, and Animal Care teams to gather information and shape content that supports the Zoo’s mission.
- Assist the Director of Marketing & Sales with special projects, campaigns, and communications initiatives as needed.
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
- Minimum 3–5 years of professional writing, marketing, or communications experience.
- Strong knowledge of email marketing platforms (such as Mailchimp, Wordfly, Constant Contact, Campaign Monitor, WordFly or equivalent).
- Demonstrated understanding of audience segmentation and targeted messaging strategies.
- Exceptional writing, proofreading, and editing skills with an ability to adapt tone for various audiences.
- Experience creating content for websites, blogs, and digital campaigns.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, and basic CMS tools.
- Familiarity with SEO and digital analytics is preferred.
- Professional demeanor, integrity, and respect for confidentiality.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events or deadlines.
Don’t meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. WORKING CONDITIONS: As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email, and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such, each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
