Date Posted:
October 26, 2026
Position Title:
Coordinator, Public Relations
Office/Company:
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Job Number:
HC-13768
Reports To:
Location:
Silver Spring, MD
Contact:
Salary:
The salary for this role is $55,162. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Description:
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Coordinator, Public Relations to join the Communications team. This role supports AZA’s communication strategy through writing, editing and distributing content for communications and media relations purposes. This role contributes to the awareness of AZA through media outreach, collaboration with member facilities and storytelling. This position ensures content aligns with organizational priorities, editorial standards and accessibility practices. This position works closely with members of all departments within AZA. This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Vice President, Communications This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
Responsibilities:
• Works with the Vice President, Communications to develop and execute the association’s public relations strategy, designed to support the association’s strategic goals, through media relations, communications and storytelling
• Provides media-related support to the Vice President, Communications and other AZA staff, including responding to media inquiries and writing and distributing media materials
• Builds, maintains and updates targeted media distribution lists
• Monitors and responds to media inquiries, coordinating with the Vice President, Communications and connecting media personnel with appropriate subject matter experts within AZA and at member institutions
• Provides media support for on-site media opportunities
• Creates national and statewide pitch opportunities for media coverage to highlight AZA and member facility collaborations
• Utilizes multiple editorial calendars across multiple content streams to organize workflows, assign tasks, and maintain project timelines
• Works with other departments and vendors on the development of collateral materials for communications initiatives and organizes distribution to AZA members
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• 3+ years of experience working in public relations and/or communications positions.
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications or related field.
• Experience writing for media with AP style, distributing media releases and pitching media outlets.
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with various audiences for multiple projects with excellent communication skills and follow-through.
• Skills and Abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite
• Demonstrated skills in the use of internet applications, databases, and CRM tools (Excel and NetForum preferred) to gather and analyze data. Knowledge in working with a web-based content management system, as well as websites such as Bonterra, Constant Contact, Survey Monkey, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high level of customer service.
• Creative problem solver with superior organizational skills, analytical abilities, strong attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
Instructions:
To apply, please submit a cover letter along with your resume.
https://app.dover.com/apply/aza/66b20771-2cbd-4e09-84b3-458b2411d324
Association for Zoos and Aquariums
8403 Colesville Road,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-562-0777
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Other:
AZA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
