Posted: May 20, 2025
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Public Relations Manager

John Ball Zoo - Grand Rapids, MI
Full-time
Salary: $55,300.00 - $65,100.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Jun 13, 2025
Nonprofit
John Ball Zoo is seeking a creative and strategic Public Relations Manager to lead efforts in promoting the zoo’s mission, attractions, and initiatives to the public. This role will develop and execute innovative promotional campaigns, generate media interest, and serve as the primary liaison for zoo-related news. The ideal candidate will be passionate about wildlife conservation, skilled in storytelling, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
 
This position’s pay ranges based on experience: $55,300 - $65,100 per year 
 
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER AT JBZ
 
The Public Relations Manager develops and implements PR strategies to promote the zoo's events, exhibits, education programs, and conservation initiatives. They write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and internal communications. They also cultivate relationships with media contacts, influencers, and community partners to increase media coverage and public awareness.
 
The PR Manager regularly pitches and coordinates interviews, feature stories, and media visits, while collaborating with marketing and social media teams to align messaging across platforms and generating creative promotional ideas that engage the community and increase attendance. They prepare regular internal reports and presentations highlighting PR results and upcoming opportunities. They also assist during crisis communication or emergency situations involving the Zoo and act as a spokesperson and lead media tours when appropriate. In addition, they support special events, press conferences, and community outreach efforts.
 
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER AT JBZ
  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communication, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in public relations, preferably in a nonprofit, zoo, museum, or tourism-related environment.
  • Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong media relations skills with a proven track record of securing positive coverage.
  • Ability to develop and manage PR campaigns from concept through execution.
  • Creative thinker with the ability to generate fresh promotional ideas.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced setting with shifting priorities.
  • Familiarity with media monitoring tools and PR analytics.
  • Experience as an organizational spokesperson or media representative preferred.
  • Bilingual or multilingual communication skills preferred.
  • Availability for occasional evening or weekend events.
WHO WE ARE
 
At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation but know that our 120+ full time and 350 seasonal people guided by our core values accomplish this mission. Our core values are:
  • Conservation 
  • Education
  • Community
  • Celebrate 
  • Compassion
BENEFITS AT JBZ
  • We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:
  • Medical plan option
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Dental & Vision for employee & family
  • 12 Full weeks of parental leave
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
 
We offer generous vacation time, 6 days of personal time, and 11 paid Holidays each year. We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.    

We envision a future of being a world-class zoo,  a premier education facility, a renowned conservation center, and a wildly successful national visitor attraction. Want to help make the adventure come alive? Apply today and join us!