Communications Manager

Application Process

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.

The cover letter should be one page and include details about: the tools, platforms, and systems you’ve used for communications (e.g., social media, CMS, media monitoring) and how you’ve used them to improve messaging or outreach, your experience working with media contacts or external communications relationships, examples of content you’ve created or supported (e.g., press releases, blogs, social media, signage, etc.), and any experience supporting or participating in crisis communications.

The application deadline is May 21 2026.

Pay rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $71,770.36 - $83,203.03 annually. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy.

The Communications Manager leads public relations, media relations, and internal communications initiatives for the Oakland Zoo. This role serves as a key organizational storyteller, crafting compelling narratives about animal care, conservation efforts, and community impact. The Communications Manager builds media relationships, develops press materials, manages crisis communications, and creates content that engages diverse audiences while advancing the Oakland Zoo's mission and reputation.

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Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and Zoo Membership options.

‍Media Relations & Public Relations

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts; write and distribute press releases, media alerts, and pitch stories to appropriate outlets

• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews with Oakland Zoo staff and leadership, and organize media events, press conferences, and behind-the-scenes tours

• Monitor media coverage and maintain media relations database and clip files

• Support development of PR strategies to enhance the Oakland Zoo's reputation and visibility in the community, which includes: identifying and pitching story opportunities showcasing animal welfare, conservation, education, and research, building relationships with community organizations, influencers, and partner institutions and coordinating speaking engagements and community appearances for Oakland Zoo leadership and animal care staff

• Work with Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and execute PR and communications plans for special events, exhibit openings, and seasonal programs. This includes coordinating event press coverage and media attendance and creating event talking points, signage copy, and host scripts

• Manage relationships with influencers, content creators, and media partners

General Communications

• Manage the team’s communications calendar, which includes internal and external communications, advertising dates, partnerships, sponsorships, and events

• Attend meetings with animal care and other departments and report back to the team to ensure they gain insights into zoo activities.

Crisis Communications

• Support Director in developing and implementing crisis communication plans and protocols.  

Content Development

• Create and edit compelling content across blogs, newsletters, website copy, and scripts by developing storytelling frameworks, translating expert insights into accessible narratives, and ensuring consistency and quality across all communications produced by other departments.

• Develop signage copy with Lead Graphic Designer.

Internal Communications

• Develop and distribute internal communications (including employee newsletters, intranet content, and leadership messaging) to keep staff informed and engaged

• Support organizational change initiatives with strategic communication planning.

• Develop a comprehensive folder of talking points for staff and volunteers to access throughout the year. Additionally, formulate specific talking points tailored for staff and volunteers.

• Manage digital screen content and work with Marketing and Communications team to create and implement new content

Stakeholder Communications

• Support communications to key stakeholder groups including donors, members, volunteers, board members, and community partners, and manage annual report development from content gathering through publication

• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to apply.

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• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, which must include a minimum of 3 years of communications, public relations, or journalism experience. A Bachelor’s may be considered equivalent to 3 years of relevant experience, and an Associate’s may be considered equivalent to 2 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience with media relations and securing press coverage
• Experience working with data collection and publishing through programs like Cision or Meltwater.
• Experience in writing press releases or similar forms of communications
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule; occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work for events and media opportunities

Bonus if you have...

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field
• Previous journalism or newsroom experience
• Crisis communications training or experience
• Nonprofit, cultural institution, or conservation organization experience
• Knowledge of AP Style and content management systems
• Photography or video production skills
• Passion for wildlife conservation and environmental education

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Office environment with frequent Oakland Zoo grounds visits for research and event support
• Must be available for on-call crisis communications support
• Hybrid work arrangement may be available with regular on-site presence required

Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Sustained computer-based administrative and analytical work, using standard or assistive technology for extended periods every day
• Ability to navigate Zoo grounds

• Analytical and Conceptual Aptitude – engages in and facilitates broad organizational strategic thinking/planning with awareness of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and cultural relevance.
• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Data Analysis – able to collect, interpret and detect patterns in clean data
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Growth-Oriented: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Impact: Inspired to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Inclusive Facilitation – able to comfortably move a group through pre-determined content while balancing inclusion and timing; able to flexibly weave in related content to make connections for learners and adjust or pivot when needed
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Presentation – able to convey ideas clearly and sensitively, highlight key takeaways and translate impact; have thoughtful presence, can quickly build rapport with others, and are comfortable in front of a variety of audiences
• Project management – effectively prioritizes commitments, driving forward multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously with flexibility, resourcefulness, and agility to adapt to shifting organizational needs
• Relationship-Building: able to build and maintain trusting relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Self-motivated– effectively navigates multiple, simultaneous tasks with excellent attention to detail and deadlines. Enthusiastically identifies and approaches opportunities without regular supervision
• Self-reflection – demonstrates self-awareness, agility, and a willingness to learn from mistakes and acknowledge one's own biases
• Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges.
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

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