Working Title: Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
Job Class: Communications Specialist 1
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job ID : 96388
Location : Apple Valley
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/19/2026
Closing Date : 09/01/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
Division/Unit : Operations / Communications
Work Shift/Work Hours : 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. with occasional early mornings or evenings
Days of Work : Monday - Friday with occasional weekends
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position exists to lead the Minnesota Zoo's social media, marketing and e-communications strategies. The role is responsible for developing and implementing clear, consistent and coordinated social media, marketing and e-communications that increase brand awareness, audience engagement and support for the Minnesota Zoo's mission to save wildlife, while contributing to overall attendance, membership and revenue goals. This position also assists with communication, public and media relations, and marketing initiatives including events, promotions and on-site and off-site media activities.
This position will be required to travel throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and occasionally Statewide.
In alignment with the Zoo-wide editorial calendar, develop, negotiate and execute a comprehensive social media strategy that increases visibility, audience engagement, and visitation to the Zoo, while promoting awareness of the Zoo's mission to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife.
In alignment with the Zoo-wide editorial calendar, develop and share communication content through owned media channels to support Zoo marketing initiatives, strengthen audience engagement, and increase visitation.
Assist with marketing initiatives and cross-functional projects that promote the Zoo, support attendance goals and strengthen organizational communications.
Provide coordination and maintenance support for departmental tools, workflows, and digital assets to ensure efficiency and alignment across projects.
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.
1 year of experience in social media strategy and platforms to plan, create, schedule and manage compelling written, video and visual content for social media channels
1 year computer skills experience including Microsoft Office Suite, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint) sufficient to collect, organize and analyze data.
Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) sufficient to create engaging e-communication and content for social media and digital channels.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and generate alignment and agreement on resolutions with varied internal and external stakeholders
Experience managing and prioritizing multiple projects and details simultaneously, delivering results on-time and on budget using project tracking tools
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a team
Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Social Media Marketing, Communication, Marketing, Journalism or related field
Experience writing, creating, producing and managing strong compelling conservation messaging for social media platforms including text, video, and images
Experience using digital camera equipment and accessories including microphones and smart phones (iPhone) sufficient to effectively receive, send, edit and manage images, video and text
Experience in using social media management, asset management and project management platforms
Experience appearing on camera for media interviews, social media videos, or other public-facing video content.
Proven experience managing a consumer facing brand social account
Experience in Zoo and Aquarium industry or consumer facing attraction
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for periods of time, stand for periods of time, walk considerable distances at times and hear/listen for considerable amounts of time
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Ability to work flexible shifts including nights and weekends
Ability to navigate challenging physical spaces
Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions
Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer key pad, hand a banner, distribute materials, etc.
Ability to use an audio headset for two-way radio communication during programs and events
Additional Requirements
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
