This position contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing an extraordinary guest experience and creating financial sustainability. Responsible for all onsite and offsite marketing including special events, in-park offers & messages, advertising, media-buying, grass-roots marketing, all online communications including website and social media to increase CZS/BZ awareness, drive attendance and provide an extraordinary guest experience. 
Responsibilities: Develops and supervises the execution of a highly appealing, attendance-driving and preferably mission-based special events program. Works closely with Director of Partnership Marketing to ensure fulfillment of partner commitments and development of incremental partner opportunities. Develops and implements a comprehensive grass-roots marketing and promotions program that includes, but is not limited to, activities in under-penetrated markets, ethnic markets, participation in events with a demographically desirable audience, and working with the education department, activities in libraries, schools, park districts and other programs for children and other targeted channels. Manages advertising plans and creative development; provides business objectives and communication priorities as direction to Creative Services for the development of all guest and consumer marketing communications including in-park materials, website design, print, online and broadcast advertising. Oversees all web technologies and utilizes as effective marketing tools including website, social media, online advertising; maximizes use of the website to promote the Chicago Zoological Society, its activities, and Brookfield Zoo as a destination. Assures a robust, vibrant website that promotes the Society’s conservation ethic and activities and that communicates about the Society’s many programs and offerings. Responsible for on-site marketing communications to ensure quality guest experience including signage, maps, way-finding, etc. Works closely and collaborates with CET interpretative programs, including new multi-media opportunities. Contributes to the development of annual marketing plan and budget, including setting objectives, defining strategies, tactics, measuring results and reporting performance vs. plan. Oversees media and advertising production budget; ensures effective use of media budget by optimizing reach and frequency levels, securing value-add opportunities. Hires and supervises assigned employees, including but not limited to selection, orientation, training and development, performance coaching, management, and reviews, and recommendation of appropriate employment actions. Effectively develops staff to take on increasing responsibility in order to achieve stated goals of the department. Actively participates in and supports the annual employee survey and action planning process. Encourages maximum survey participation, shares survey results, and engages all reporting staff in the action planning process. Facilitates regular survey discussions and the creation of specific action plans for improvement, including SMART measures, timelines, and specific employee accountabilities. Monitors and documents progress. Incorporates survey action planning into regular work group/department meetings on an ongoing basis. Holds staff accountable for implementation of action plans and continuous improvement. Shares actions and successes within and outside the work group/department. Other related duties as assigned. 

Requirements: Bachelor of Arts/Sciences in Marketing or Communications or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. Masters degree in Marketing or Communications or equivalent preferred. Minimum 8 years directly relevant marketing experience, including 3+ years at a management level overseeing staff, resources, and marketing operations required. Demonstrated experience developing marketing programs, promotions, and communications in a multi-channel environment; developing and managing budgets, and producing quality deliverables within stated timeframes. Demonstrated experience creating and executing attendance-driving special events for large audiences. Significant online/web experience including website management, online advertising, and social media networks. Successful track record in creating effective marketing communications through multiple channels: mass media, direct, grass-roots, etc. Creative individual; ability to think strategically and deal with changing priorities, emergent issues, multiple projects, and clients simultaneously. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills. Must be articulate and able to represent the organization effectively both internally and externally. Computer proficiency required: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Razor’s Edge and Outlook skills beneficial. Valid driver’s license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.