As one of Colorado’s most vital cultural cornerstones, Denver Zoo is dedicated to providing the communities we serve with an intimate, inspiring and informative first-hand encounter with the wonders of nature. But, while we proudly provide families with an accessible and inviting place to connect with wildlife—and one another—we’re so much more than that, too.

Our 84-acre campus is an enchanting urban field station, where 3,000+ wonderful wild animals serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts all over the world. Our award-winning education and outreach teams spark curiosity for learners of all ages throughout metropolitan Denver. In addition, our global Field Conservation and Emergency Wildlife Response teams have worked tirelessly for more than two decades to protect species threatened by human encroachment, habitat loss and catastrophic events.

As a non-profit organization, we rely on your support through memberships, visits and donations to instigate action on behalf of our endangered Earth, first by igniting AWE in our visitors. That’s why we’re more devoted than ever to our living our mission—Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations—each and every day. The survival we ensure may be our own.

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

The Internal Communications Manager advances Denver Zoo’s mission and goals by leading the internal communications activation in an effort to enhance employee engagement and collaboration. 

This management position is responsible for leading and facilitating the advancement of the Zoo’s internal communication strategy through content development, management of communication channels and coordination of organizational wide meetings. This position will also assist in developing messaging around learning opportunities and the sharing of institutional policy updates.  The Internal Communications Manager will work closely with the Director of Equity & Culture and Director of Communications in identifying the communication needs of our One Zoo Team, while ensuring our core values are prioritize in communication strategy development and implementation.  

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests.  If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Priority 1 - Communication  

• Establishing an internal communications approach in conjunction with Director of Equity & Culture, Director of Communications and institutional leadership. 
• Develop and deliver communication campaigns, initiatives and narratives that drive understanding of the Zoo and its priorities through the creation of communications plans, targeted written communications and live events. 
• Support the planning and implementation of short- and long-term strategic risk management and communications projects.
• Stay informed on the Zoo, external conversations about wildlife, conservation initiatives and Zoo events, global current affairs, and trends impacting our staff, volunteers and operations.
• Analyze information to proactively identify potential risks and opportunities for the internal communications team.
• Engage with colleagues to understand information needs during fast-breaking news and provide relevant and timely updates to ensure cross functional alignment and collaboration.
• Planning, writing, editing, and developing content for a variety of internal communications mediums, such as staff intranet, video, or regular email bulletin. 

Priority 2 – Employee Engagement 

• Act as an internal ambassador of our One Zoo Team (OZT) culture and values with innovative ways to embed our culture across all communication platforms.  
• Actively support the zoo’s plan to be an antiracist organization by understanding, engaging with, and promoting diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility in all communication efforts. 
• Provide daily operational management of communication tools to ensure employees stay in the know and promote 360 feedback culture. 
• Facilitate internal communication activities, such as Town Halls.  
• Anticipate employees' questions and concerns, and represent their point of view.
• Establish strong cross-functional relationships with Zoo’s executive and senior leaders, People team, external communications and PR, and more in order to align on communication opportunities.
• Regularly engage and partner with members of OZT to respond to needs and reflect core values. 

Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Experience working cross-functionally and collaboratively in a fast-paced, matrixed, multi-shift, deadline-driven organization.
• Distilling complex policy concepts and science-based information into simple language and concepts. 
• Organized and detail oriented, capable of managing numerous projects and work streams end-to-end, with a keen sense of prioritization and proven to consistently produce high-level work.
• Establish and foster strong working relationships with various human resources personnel and internal stakeholders, ensuring that programs foster an inclusive environment that leads to a highly engaged workforce. 
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo. 
• This position will interact with leaders at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.  

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Business or related discipline preferred.
• Six plus years’ experience working in communications and delivering high-quality business communications (emails, stories, presentations). 
• Experience working for a nonprofit, wildlife, hospitality or cultural institution with local, regional and international issues. Experience working in a collaborative environment where you must partner cross-functionally. Exceptional project management skills and creative, out of the box thinker.
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams are necessary.  Requires superior organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must have good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy. Must be an outstanding communicator.
• Experience applying an equitable analysis to all duties to achieve organizational goals and demonstrate the Denver Zoo’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility and anti-racism preferred.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Schedule Availability:  Monday-Friday; 30 hours per week.
• Work Location: Hybrid.

Compensation

Range for this position is $30-$37.54 (hourly).

Benefits

This is a part time position with 403(b) retirement plan and vacation/sick leave.