PR Position at the Denver Zoo

Public Relations Specialist
Marketing & PR Department, Reports to Public Relations Manager

Job Description Summary: Denver Zoo is seeking a full-time public relations specialist to assist the PR department with many responsibilities including public relations planning, media events, video production, public and private events, research, writing assignments and day-to-day office tasks. To be considered, apply by April 30.

Essential Functions:
Research and write press releases, media advisories, Web site copy, e-bulletins and correspondence as assigned
Tapes, edits and produces Video News Releases promoting Denver Zoo for media and social media outlets
Catalog and maintain the zoo’s media coverage in database
Prepare and distribute press kits
Participate in creative brainstorming sessions
Assist the Public Relations Manager during media events:
Help distribute press releases to local media
Escort media to and from the media event sites
Develop and maintain media contact lists
Help plan media parties
Coordinate on-site signage promoting upcoming events and special programs
Coordinate press strategy promoting events and zoo attendance
Coordinate response to Zoo Info email inquiries

Requirements:
Strong communication skills and writing skills required
Maintain a flexible schedule including holidays, weekends and evenings to assure coverage
Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel and the Internet
Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record
Must be an energetic person willing to work in teams and individually
Some manual labor required

Qualifications:
Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, or related field.
Previous employment or internship in public relations, communications, or journalism
Knowledge of HTML and web editing software preferred
Video production experience (shooting and editing video news releases) and knowledge of Final Cut Pro editing preferred
Excellent customer services skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to handle multiple projects at one time
Strong organizational skills
Creativity and innovative thinking skills
Respect for confidentiality
Ability to lift 30 pounds on a regular basis

To Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume, two letters of recommendation and writing samples including a detailed cover letter of why you are the right candidate for the position, two samples of press releases and a sample of an e-bulletin promoting a zoo event (a paragraph promoting a zoo event to our members) to:

THE DENVER ZOO
Attn: Leslye Bilyeu
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO 80205
FAX: 303/376-6717
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
EOE