Marketing Manager

Application Process

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.

The cover letter should be one page and include details about your experience with: digital marketing channels, including paid ads (e.g., Google, Meta, TikTok), email marketing platforms, and social media strategy, audience targeting and campaign optimization for established brands, and managing websites and content systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal), including your ability to build new pages versus editing existing content.

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 Marketing Manager develops and executes integrated marketing campaigns to drive visitor attendance, membership growth, and revenue generation. This role manages digital advertising, web, social, email marketing, campaign analytics, and vendor relationships. The Marketing Manager works collaboratively across departments to promote special events, exhibits, education programs, and seasonal offerings while maximizing return on marketing investment.

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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.

Campaign Development and Execution

• Plan, implement, and optimize integrated marketing campaigns across digital and traditional channels for daily admission, memberships, special events, and seasonal programs.
• Create campaign briefs, timelines, and coordinate with creative and content teams in alignment with organizational priorities

Advertising

• Manage paid digital advertising across platforms including Google Ads, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), and TikTok. This includes monitoring daily performance, adjusting budgets and bids, and conducting A/B testing
• Develop paid content strategies and audience targeting strategies and optimize campaigns for conversion and ROI
• Stay current on platform updates, best practices, and emerging advertising opportunities
• Manage advertising for billboards and print.
• Provide campaign performance reports and able to articulate this to senior leaders within the organization

Email Marketing

• Develop and execute email marketing strategy for members, prospects, and visitors through Pawprints E-blast and other targeted emails.
• Create email campaigns, newsletters, and automated nurture sequences
• Segment audiences, personalize content, and optimize subject lines and send times
• Maintain email list hygiene and ensure compliance with CAN-SPAM and GDPR regulations

Analytics & Reporting

• Track, analyze, and report on campaign performance across all channels using Google Analytics, platform analytics, and attribution tools
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations based on data analysis analysis and collaborate with the Digital Content Specialist to implement recommendations.

Website Strategy & Conversion Optimization

• Develop and implement web site strategy aligned with marketing and communications goals.
• Collaborate with web development team or vendors on website improvements and experience optimization.
• Implement conversion rate optimization strategies including landing page testing and funnel analysis.
• Monitor website performance (including website tracking pixels, tags, and analytics), troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with IT on technical needs.
• Maintain content management system and ensure website remains accurate and up to date

Social Media Strategy & Management

• Develop and implement social media strategy aligned with marketing and communications goals.
• Work with digital content specialist to implement strategy; analyze data to inform shifts toward improved performance and alignment with emerging trends.
• Vendor & Agency Management
• Serve as primary contact for marketing agencies, media buyers, and technology vendors
• Negotiate contracts, manage budgets, with Director of Marketing and Communications
• Research and recommend new marketing tools, platforms, and partnerships

Market Research

• Conduct visitor surveys, focus groups, and market research to inform strategy
• Monitor competitor activities, industry trends, and best practices
• 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 marketing experience with demonstrated campaign management expertise. 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
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with WordPress, Drupal, or other website publishing and management platforms.
• Experience in traditional and digital advertising, including managing paid digital advertising campaigns (Google Ads, Meta, display) and email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar)
• Proficiency with marketing analytics tools (Google Analytics, platform analytics)
• Available for occasional evening or weekend work during peak campaign periods

Bonus if you have...

• Google Ads and/or Meta Blueprint certification
• Experience with CRM systems and marketing automation platforms
• Nonprofit, cultural attractions, or tourism industry experience
• Experience with conversion rate optimization and A/B testing tools
• Knowledge of SEO, SEM, and content marketing best practices

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

• Primarily office-based with occasional Oakland Zoo grounds visits
• Standard business hours with some flexibility
• Limited remote work may be available after an evaluation period and is dependent on ongoing performance assessments

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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