Description

Marketing Manager

Department: Marketing and Communications

Reports to: Director of Marketing

Status: Exempt

Position Overview:

The Marketing Manager leads the execution of omni-channel marketing campaigns and programs that drive general admission, event attendance, membership sales, and fundraising success — while increasing awareness of the conservation impact of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Working in close collaboration with the Director of Marketing, this role translates marketing strategy into effective, measurable programs across paid, owned, and earned channels.

Successful candidates will bring proven experience managing integrated campaigns from brief through reporting, with a strong track record of meeting and exceeding defined KPIs. Experience in visitor-based attractions, nonprofit organizations, or adjacent industries such as entertainment, hospitality, or cultural institutions is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Campaign Management

• Under the direction of the Director of Marketing, contribute to the development of annual marketing plans and campaign strategies; lead day-to-day execution across all channels and programs 
• Develop and manage paid media campaigns across digital, print, and out-of-home channels to increase awareness and drive attendance, membership, and revenue goals 
• Manage marketing budgets at the campaign level, tracking expenditures against plan and ensuring responsible stewardship of vendor contracts and media buys 
• Write creative briefs, project timelines, and campaign wrap-up reports that communicate strategy, execution, and results to internal stakeholders

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a marketing liaison across internal departments — including Learning & Impact, Development, Events, Food & Beverage, and Guest Experience — to ensure integrated, on-brand campaign execution.
• Collaborate with the Public Relations Manager to align earned media efforts with paid and owned channel strategies.
• Partner with external vendors including creative agencies, media buyers, and travel and tourism industry partners to deliver effective marketing programs.

Membership Marketing

• Support membership acquisition and retention goals through targeted marketing campaigns, promotional offers, and lifecycle communications developed in partnership with the membership team
• Identify opportunities to integrate membership messaging across campaigns and guest touchpoints to drive awareness and conversion

Digital Marketing & Website

• Execute website content updates, on-site promotions, and digital user experience initiatives.
• Plan, write, build, and deploy all marketing email communications while managing audience segmentation, testing, and performance optimization. 

Analytics & Reporting

• Monitor, interpret, and analyze real-time data and sales reports to guide the evolution of campaigns and programs.
• Leverage insights from Google Analytics, CRM platforms, email marketing tools, and social media dashboards to identify trends and refine strategies.
• Provide regular reporting on campaign performance against defined KPIs, with actionable recommendations for optimization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in marketing-related training, presentations, and professional development opportunities.
• Represent The Living Desert at industry events, tourism conferences, and partner meetings.
• Support the organization's conservation mission through responsible resource use and by inspiring guests and team members to take conservation action.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.

Requirements

Experience

• 5–7 years of progressive marketing experience, preferably in visitor-based attractions and/or nonprofit organizations, with demonstrated success in strategic marketing plan development and omni-channel campaign execution.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications or a related field

Skills & Qualifications

Core Competencies

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Passion for conservation, wildlife, and mission-driven storytelling.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences at every interaction.
• Spanish language proficiency desirable but not required.

Technology & Platforms

• CRM platforms such as HubSpot.
• Email marketing platforms such as Brevo or similar ESPs.
• WordPress or comparable CMS.
• Project management tools such as Asana, Monday.com, or Wrike.
• Microsoft 365: Office Suite, Teams, SharePoint.
• Google Analytics 4 and emerging generative/AI-driven search optimization.
• Familiarity with agentic AI tools and workflows.

This is a full-time, exempt, 100% onsite position based at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California. The role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.