Senior Interpretive Content Developer [Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA]

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. The zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington State and around the world. By inspiring visitors and others to learn, care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.

This is your opportunity to join the dynamic team at Woodland Park Zoo. Applications are now being accepted for Senior Interpretive Content Developer in the Education department. There is one full-time, regular, benefited position to be filled at this time. Compensation is based on experience.

This position is right for you if:

• You are a highly organized, self-directed storyteller who can produce engaging content across multiple platforms and audiences
• You are a true collaborator that builds rapport with colleagues whether they are designers, educators, researchers, or technology and communication experts
• You are bursting with creative energy and take inspiration from the natural world around you
• You are adept at successfully handling multiple projects simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines
• You are a strong leader that can inspire confidence and team building

SUMMARY

The Senior Interpretive Content Developer creates interpretive storylines that build captivating, immersive exhibits and engaging visitor experiences that bring the zoo’s mission to life for diverse audiences and builds on the zoo’s reputation as a leader in animal care, exhibitry, conservation and education. This position will research, develop, and write scientific content for interpretive exhibits and visitor engagements, and will produce and maintain multimedia and interactive environments. Collaboration with multiple internal and external partners to develop innovative strategies for interpretive elements and exhibits is integral to this role. Experience in science writing for diverse public audiences and exhibit/interpretive development for informal science or similar setting is essential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with Interpretive Engagements team to create and implement an optimal guest experience and to oversee the quality assurance of zoo-wide interpretive elements.
• Lead an interpretive team, including developing staff work plans, conducting annual staff evaluations, effectively coaching/mentoring employees, and maintaining personnel records.
• Manage cross-departmental committees that include colleagues from Education, Admissions/Guest Services, Communications and Creative Services to develop concepts and content for delivery of interpretive engagements through text, visual media, interactive elements and audio.
• Oversee the development and implementation of interpretive content and materials for static and digital signage, visitor engagements and other interpretive materials, including writing, editing, revising, fact-checking and proof reading.
• Act as an effective liaison between interpretative and scientific staff (animal management and conservation) in order to highlight the zoo’s expertise in animal welfare, conservation and research in exhibitions; facilitate content review by in-house and external parties and incorporate feedback.
• Research, conduct literature reviews, and interpret scientific information, images, objects and technologies.
• Partner with the Audience Research team to design and conduct evaluations at specified points in exhibit development process to ensure that projects achieve goals and objectives, including working with teams to develop prototypes and test with audiences, and summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Follow and contribute to the zoo’s exhibit and interpretive development process and complete work in a timely manner to meet schedules and budgets.
• Actively support and assist in strategic planning, professional development/training, budgeting and work planning for team and department.
• Participate in professional development opportunities in order to stay informed of new trends and research in the museum and zoo/aquarium field; learn from and share knowledge with colleagues while building relevant partnerships.
• Assist in maintaining the zoo’s guest experience and long-range physical development plans.
• Advocate for immersive and audience-centric exhibit experiences that make science fun, engaging and surprising for people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Serve on the Education Leadership Team and work with other zoo supervisors and managers to help ensure smooth, effective education operations and programs to meet strategic plan goals.
• Develop and manage program budgets and financial records.
• Participate in grant and report writing as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS

Please visit our Careers Page at zoo.org to view the full job posting, including application directions and deadline, for this position. Applications are only accepted online through our Careers page; no other forms of application will be accepted. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.