The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (the Society) is searching for an Interpretive Content Manager to join a very fun environment and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets, the Milwaukee County Zoo. This position takes a holistic view of interpretive content management at Milwaukee's Zoo, supporting Zoological Society of Milwaukee's (ZSM) and Milwaukee County Zoo's (MCZ) enterprise-wide strategic vision, mission, values and goals. The Interpretive Content Manager creates interpretive storylines and themes that shape captivating, immersive exhibits and engaging visitor experiences for diverse audiences. The role leads a highly collaborative process to design, create, implement, evaluate and refresh an Interpretive Master Plan for the enterprise. In addition, this person oversees the work of the Information Specialist and volunteers.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, complimentary dental, vision, life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary zoo pass, up to the family level.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the cross-functional, enterprise-wide team that will develop the Interpretive Master Plan design, implementation and renewal process
  • Develop key themes, stories and messages in partnership with animal care, marketing, conservation, guest services, education, creative and evaluation staff
  • Facilitate a complex master planning process, using clear communications, timely follow-through, attention to detail, and transparent processes
  • Apply strong project management skills to ensure that the master plan reflects stakeholder priorities, stays on time and on budget, responds to evaluation data, and embodies interpretive best practices that inspire guests to take conservation action
  • Ensure content highlights the zoo's expertise in animal welfare, conservation and research and is informed by scientific staff (animal management, animal health and conservation)
  • Build an interpretive master plan guided by environmental and financial sustainability practices
• Lead enterprise-wide interpretive content development that reflects stakeholder priorities
  • Help shape visual and verbal interpretive content to align with interpretive master plan, including, but not limited to: exhibits, signage, Animals in Action, Keeper Talks, Wild Connections, At-Habitat performances, Remains to be Seen, tabling materials
  • Train and support staff and volunteers in interpretation best practices, including interpretive leading-edge interpretive practices, empathy for wildlife, universal design, and Diversity, Equity Access and Inclusion
• Lead the Interpretive Content department
  • Act as the interpretive practices subject-matter expert, providing trainings, resources and input to staff and volunteers who are engaged in interpretive content delivery
  • Lead collaborative processes across the zoo enterprise to ensure that all staff and volunteers understand the interpretive master plan key themes, stories and messages
  • Serve as a member of the Programs Leadership Team, ensuring that interpretive content shapes and responds to education, conservation and volunteer programming
  • Set and work toward annual interpretive content goals in alignment with ZSM internal processes and enterprise-wide strategies
  • Oversees the work of the Information Specialist and interpretive content volunteers
• Partner with the Senior Creative Manager to ensure that Creative Department budget aligns with interpretive master plan goals and deliverables
• Remain aware of current interpretive practices, including active membership and engagement in professional organizations such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, National Association for Interpretation, or similar

• Bachelor's degree in museum studies, life sciences, environmental studies, education, or related field.
• Five or more years' experience in exhibit/interpretive development for an informal science or similar setting.
• Minimum three years of leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, improve processes, produce high quality products, lead and collaborate with people, supervise staff and get results from teams.
• Thorough understanding of the exhibit development process, design principals and interpretive practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with team members, consultants, staff and external partners to develop exhibits/interpretive by finding consensus, dividing workload and following project details through to completion.
• Fluency in using project management tools and software to manage tasks, timelines, people etc.
• Demonstrated experience in science writing for diverse public audiences. Spanish or second language fluency a plus.
• Gifted storyteller and science communicator who writes clearly, concisely and imaginatively.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work in a team environment and develop interpretive storylines collaboratively; comfortable working with strong personalities and drawing out others who may be reticent.
• Practiced at multi-faceted, deep listening skills, including questioning, verifying, and exploring what is heard to ensure understanding of both surface and underlying messages and priorities.
• Working knowledge of interpretive planning concepts, principles and philosophies, and emerging research in conservation psychology.
• Ability to develop thematic structure, research subject matter, and create content that engages guests
• Knowledge of exhibit evaluation methods in informal education settings, conservation issues, and proper presentation of artifacts.
• Proficient and experienced with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
• Must be able to work with customized databases and technology, and conduct Internet research.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee believes diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) are the hallmarks of a robust, vibrant community and have adopted DEAI as foundational to our organizations' priorities and values. A successful candidate will embrace these values and incorporate a similar commitment within their scope of work to foster an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, which is demonstrated through actions and words. Individuals from all backgrounds and those with diverse lived experiences are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

The Society provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources department at .