Associate VP Marketing

The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Marketing plays a pivotal role in bolstering Brookfield Zoo Chicago's market standing, amplifying its visibility, and maximizing revenue. Leading a team of exceptional professionals, this role is dedicated to pioneering innovative marketing approaches, enriching brand recognition, and fostering visitor involvement, both within the zoo's premises and across digital platforms.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

1. * Senior Leadership and Collaboration: As a senior leader within the Guest Experience and Operations (GXO) Division, the AVP collaborates closely with division peers to drive strategic initiatives. This includes working closely with the Vice President of Guest and Membership Services, Associate Vice President of Communications, Design Director, and General Manager of Food, Retail, and Catering to ensure alignment of efforts and maximize impact. 
2. * Strategic Oversight: Develop and execute comprehensive multi-year marketing plans and strategies aligned with Brookfield Zoo's mission, goals, and values. Provide strategic direction to the marketing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. 
3. * Marketing Data and Analysis: Contribute to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by executing marketing data and analytics strategies. Provide actionable insights for optimizing audience growth and revenue. Analyze complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and customer segments while evaluating churn, retention, and acquisition behaviors. Oversee market research activities and investigate relevant local and national trends to inform decision making. 
4. * Audience Engagement: Define audience profiles and insights to attract and engage paid guests, maintain existing audiences, and grow new revenue channels. Ensure that paid media, outbound channels, and digital content strategy are optimized to further the revenue and mission goals of the Society. Oversee digital, email, social media, and mobile app administration. Optimize Brookfield Zoo Chicago website to promote BZC’s stories, activities, and destination - Brookfield Zoo Chicago. 
5. * Promotions and Audience Data: Oversee promotional activities, partnerships, and sponsorships to enhance brand visibility and attract diverse audiences. Utilize audience data and segmentation strategies to tailor marketing initiatives and enhance engagement with target demographics. 
6. * Agency Management: Serve as the primary liaison with advertising agencies and external partners. Collaborate with agencies to develop creative campaigns, monitor performance metrics, and ensure alignment with Brookfield Zoo's brand standards and marketing objectives. 
7. * Revenue Growth: Work collaboratively with the SVP to plan and execute comprehensive pricing strategies and monitor results routinely to determine effectiveness in achieving objectives. Oversee strategic support management of onsite revenue programs, such as Animal Adoptions and Wild Connections animal experiences. Develop targeted marketing campaigns to promote these programs and increase participation. 
8. * Measurement and Reporting: Define and configure marketing measurement tactics on platforms, including web, social, advertising, and campaign monitoring tools, to capture relevant data for evaluating marketing effectiveness. Build and maintain reports and dashboards that provide actionable insights into marketing performance and define key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with the Society's goals. 
9. * Marketing Events: Oversee the planning and execution of attendance-driving marketing events, such as Boo at the Zoo, Holiday Magic, Zoo Runs, Summer Concert Series and others. Ensure seamless integration of marketing efforts with other departments and across all events to maximize attendance and engagement. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, or other directly relevant field. 
• Five years of progressive experience in marketing, with a minimum of two years working in a zoo, aquarium, museum, or other experience-based organization environment. 
• Visionary mindset and a track record of excellence in marketing, digital media, advertising, audience data and analytics, and revenue generation. 
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic marketing plans that drive business results. 
• Strong understanding of digital marketing techniques, including SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, and content strategy. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate ideas, influence stakeholders, and build relationships. 
• Proven leadership abilities, including experience managing teams, fostering a positive work environment, and driving results through collaboration and empowerment. 
• Strategic thinker with analytical mindset, capable of leveraging data and insights to inform decision-making and optimize marketing performance. 
• Passion for wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, and promoting educational experiences. 
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. 
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency. 
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for special events and promotional activities. 
• A valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.