Digital Content Specialist

Located three miles south of downtown Dallas, the 106‑acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. Founded with just two deer and two mountain lions in 1888 as the first zoo in the Southwest, this City of Dallas‑owned but privately managed zoo is a thriving example of a successful public‑private partnership. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for 35 years, the Zoo provides a home for more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.

JOB SUMMARY

The Digital Content Specialist for the Dallas Zoo will work closely with the Dallas Zoo’s Marketing & Communications team to create engaging digital content that showcases the Zoo’s mission, conservation efforts, events, guest experiences, and promotional opportunities.

This position will report to our social media lead to develop, support, and execute the Zoo’s content strategy and digital storytelling, utilizing still, video, and animated assets. This person needs to possess strong writing skills, visual storytelling experience, and a passion for the Zoo’s mission.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with supervisor to assist with developing, maintaining, modifying, and working from a content calendar to ensure fresh, timely, and varied content.
• Assist in developing creative content ideas, including behind‑the‑scenes features, education content, and conservation storytelling.
• Ideate content for the Zoo’s various communication channels, including social media, website, marketing emails, etc.
• Assist in scheduling and publishing social media content across platforms.
• Monitor and engage with audiences by responding to comments, messages, and interactions.
• Track social media trends and viral content to provide recommendations for innovative ideas.
• Recommend tools, trends, and best practices for improving social media engagement.
• Conduct platform audits and competitive benchmarking to inform content innovation.
• Assist with influencer outreach and user‑generated content sourcing.
• Communicate effectively with other teams at the Zoo to mine for stories and to schedule opportunities to capture content.
• Proactively seek out and create digital content about the Zoo’s animals, conservation efforts, Zoo programs, and events.
• Use DSLR/mirrorless cameras and mobile phone for vertical and horizontal video capture.
• Use Adobe Creative Suite, Cap Cut, or other similar editing software to create compelling digital content.
• Create videos from concept to completion for use on multiple platforms, often working against specific deadlines or under time constraints.
• Create motion graphics and animated elements (text, transitions, overlays, lower thirds) for short‑form video and other digital content.
• Ensure digital content is delivered efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure digital content is aligned with Zoo’s brand standards and guidelines.
• Assist department with photo needs for website, digital signs, graphics, etc.
• Help document and report on content and campaign performance, including engagement metrics and audience feedback.
• Manage Zoo’s digital content asset library in our content management system.
• Assist with media escorts on grounds when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Film, Digital Media, Communications, or related field with 2-4 years of experience in the digital content space.
• Strong communication and storytelling abilities.
• Portfolio/sample work is required for review.
• Demo reel or portfolio showcasing video production / editing work, content or campaign development, and photography.
• Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate video production experience or proficiency.
• Proficiency in Adobe Premier Pro and Lightroom.
• Proficiency with DSLR and/or mirrorless camera.
• Experience with Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is preferred.
• Experience with lighting and audio equipment.
• Experience with project management tools (Wrike, Monday, Asana, etc.) is a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office products.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communications skills.
• Independent problem‑solving skills.
• Detail‑oriented personality with the ability to anticipate needs.