Department
Business Development & Marketing
Location
Colchester Zoological Society
Employment Type
Full Time
Hours Per Week
40 hours Per Week, 5 Days in the Office
Salary
To be discussed at interview
Closing Date
31st May 2026
Colchester Zoological Society is looking for a person to fill a vacancy in our Business Development and Marketing Department at our award-winning zoo and charitable organisation, East Anglia’s premier tourist attraction.
As part of the Business Development and Marketing Team, the successful applicant will assist in producing exciting and engaging social media strategies, create marketing campaigns to generate sales and attendance, and produce content to raise awareness about the charity and our conservation work.
Role Responsibilities
To liaise with management and other team members to create engaging and unique marketing campaigns across a range of digital platforms such as social media, including Meta advertising, the CZS website, CZS app, and digital screens.
Social Media:
* Create a weekly social media content plan covering topics such as conservation, zoo news, updates, events and offers.
* Produce engaging and educational social media posts, researching trends and analysing data.
* Schedule posts across all platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.
* Edit photos for social media and all digital platforms.
* Collaborate with the in‑house videographer to produce Meta advertising campaigns that run throughout the year to promote tickets sales and brand awareness.
* Use reports to analyse data and support a strong marketing strategy.
* Reply to and acknowledge comments on social media to help increase engagement and brand loyalty.
* Work with external companies and social media influencers on collaborations.
* Manage social media influencer requests and monitor their content.
Website:
* Maintain the CZS and UmPhafa Nature Reserve websites, producing copy detailing the latest news, event information, stories and conservation messaging.
* Create contact forms for the websites.
* Highlight potential issues or redevelopment work required and work with management and external agencies to resolve them.
* Update the website with new imagery, collaborating with the in‑house design team on required graphics.
* Analyse, update and refine website content to ensure SEO.
App:
* Ensure the CZS App is up to date.
* Highlight potential issues or redevelopment work required and work with external agencies to resolve them.
* Add events, points of interest, closure notices and fact files to the app.
* Schedule push notifications to send instant messages to visitors.
* Maintain digital screens located at various areas within the park, ensuring they display correct information.
* Highlight screen issues and work with external agencies to complete software upgrades.
* Use CMS to update content, schedule artwork and manage playlists.
Email Marketing:
* Produce engaging copy for the weekly email newsletter and regular member updates.
Marketing:
* Write stories that can be shared across all digital platforms, tailoring information to each platform.
* Monitor the marketing inbox and respond to enquiries.
* Conduct research as requested by the management team.
* Check videos, artwork and other marketing content for quality.
* Create audio announcements for the zoo’s sound system and update music for special events.
* Take promotional photos when required.
* Produce surveys and reports as needed.
* Assist with PR and marketing requests and provide office administration support.
Role Requirements
* A qualification in marketing, journalism or a related field.
* Experience in a digital marketing or advertising role.
* Experience with websites, social media platforms and digital advertising.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
* Experience using Adobe programmes such as Photoshop.
* Experience with audio editing.
* Strong analytical thinking skills.
* Knowledge of the latest digital marketing trends and technologies.
* Knowledge of WordPress.
Working Hours
* This is a permanent full‑time position working 40 hours (5 days) per week in the office.
Evaluation
For the first three months, the employee will complete one‑month and three‑month self‑assessments to gauge job satisfaction and progress towards meeting targets.
Benefits
* Free Zoo visits
* Free onsite parking
* Staff events
* Discounts on animal adoptions, annual memberships and animal experiences
* Discounts in the Outpost Gift Shop*
* Discounts in food outlets
* 28 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays)
* Competitive hourly rate
* Regular training
* Weekly staff newsletter
CZS is a non‑smoking environment; smoking is not permitted by staff while on the premises.
CZS is an equal opportunities employer.
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