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Maya Ford, Marketing Coordinator
How long have you worked at Houston Zoo? And, what did you do before coming here? I have worked at the Houston Zoo since March of 2007. Before that I worked in Houston in technical marketing assisting businesses of all sizes and types to utilize various types of telecommunications technology to remain competitive.
How and why did you choose the Houston Zoo?
While I’ve always enjoyed marketing, I did not have a clear direction on what my future looked like. I decided that I wanted my work and family life to be intertwined, and the best way to do that was to be involved in the community. I did a lot of research on local businesses and non-profit organizations that I felt offered a balance of what I had to offer and what I needed to learn. As Houston is such a diverse and generous city, I had the opportunity to meet and make inquiries with many great people. The Zoo happened to have a Marketing Assistant position and I was sure that I was a great candidate.
My employment here fit my qualifications for my future – I am helping my community to share in the betterment of our collective future. I get to use my diverse upbringing, education and interests to enhance the attractiveness of the Houston Zoo. My job here is good for my entire family – not to mention it makes me REALLY popular with my kids!
I get to participate in work that I believe in – from animal care and protection to conservation of our natural world – I am proud of my organization and what we stand for.
Also, because of the diverse nature of zoos, I have been able to learn an immeasurable amount about marketing that I would not have gained in the environment I was in before. Thus far, the Houston Zoo has been a win-win for me.
What advice can you give to young people who may want to pursue a job like yours?
I would advise that all consumers, young and old, follow and participate in programs that the businesses they enjoy have to offer. If you’re spending your money on their products and services, ideally, you have an insight to their marketing strategies. My kids and I really enjoyed reading Brian Hill’s press releases. We would visit the website and see them there. I thought they were very friendly and well written. They gave me an insight to the Zoo’s “voice” and I liked it before I even considered working here. I felt like I was an ideal candidate to work in the Marketing department because I was their demographic – I’m a mom of 3, of diverse cultural decent, and I was already familiar with its programs and services. In addition, I would always strive to be in tune with your inner consumer; it’s all about customer care. When you put yourself in the customer’s shoes, you’re always a better marketing professional.
I would advise that all consumers, young and old, follow and participate in programs that the businesses they enjoy have to offer. If you’re spending your money on their products and services, ideally, you have an insight to their marketing strategies. My kids and I really enjoyed reading Brian Hill’s press releases. We would visit the website and see them there. I thought they were very friendly and well written. They gave me an insight to the Zoo’s “voice” and I liked it before I even considered working here. I felt like I was an ideal candidate to work in the Marketing department because I was their demographic – I’m a mom of 3, of diverse cultural decent, and I was already familiar with its programs and services. In addition, I would always strive to be in tune with your inner consumer; it’s all about customer care. When you put yourself in the customer’s shoes, you’re always a better marketing professional.
What kind of education and training would a person need to become a Houston Zoo Marketing Coordinator?
The skills I use the most and feel that I am constantly growing in are copy-writing, editing, good people skills, research, statistical analytics, creative writing, project management, visual presentation, and certainly knowing our programs and services. I also have to think out-of-the box and make things happen on a whim. Having a “Type-A” personality doesn’t work out so well when you work in the marketing department at a Zoo. Flexibility, creativity, and always having the desire to be a part of the solution – not the problem – go a long way. I would honestly have to say that my children trained me for that better than college did!
The skills I use the most and feel that I am constantly growing in are copy-writing, editing, good people skills, research, statistical analytics, creative writing, project management, visual presentation, and certainly knowing our programs and services. I also have to think out-of-the box and make things happen on a whim. Having a “Type-A” personality doesn’t work out so well when you work in the marketing department at a Zoo. Flexibility, creativity, and always having the desire to be a part of the solution – not the problem – go a long way. I would honestly have to say that my children trained me for that better than college did!
Do you have a favorite animal or species of animal at the Zoo? What makes it/them so special?
I hate to have favorites because this Zoo is my childhood zoo and it holds many great memories with my parents. I think I have a special relationship with Kiva, our adult male Masai giraffe. I’m amazed at how he knows me. When I walk by and blow him kisses or wink at him, he’ll follow me down the walkway. I’m smitten. Oh, he does that to you, too?
I hate to have favorites because this Zoo is my childhood zoo and it holds many great memories with my parents. I think I have a special relationship with Kiva, our adult male Masai giraffe. I’m amazed at how he knows me. When I walk by and blow him kisses or wink at him, he’ll follow me down the walkway. I’m smitten. Oh, he does that to you, too?
What is the most exciting or funniest thing you have seen while working here at the Houston Zoo?
For those who don’t know me – I get excited a lot, so this list would be too long. I really enjoy the animal enrichment items and think they are a great testament to the power of the natural world. I do not judge intellect based upon species…
For those who don’t know me – I get excited a lot, so this list would be too long. I really enjoy the animal enrichment items and think they are a great testament to the power of the natural world. I do not judge intellect based upon species…
What do you like most about your job?
I really appreciate my relationship with the community. People are my passion and I am so fulfilled when I get to show Houstonians how the Houston Zoo can be a part of their everyday lives! My goal is to encourage Houstonians to visit us daily and to grow with us over a lifetime.
What is a typical day for a Marketing Coordinator at the Houston Zoo?
My job entails coordinating special projects and promotions that involve a collaborative effort between the Zoo and other organizations, like television and, radio stations, newspapers, billboards, and our Zoo magazine.
I also assist my team with managing/creating the message in Zoo’s magazine advertising, radio and television commercials, and the billboards our visitors see around the city and on Zoo grounds.
I really appreciate my relationship with the community. People are my passion and I am so fulfilled when I get to show Houstonians how the Houston Zoo can be a part of their everyday lives! My goal is to encourage Houstonians to visit us daily and to grow with us over a lifetime.
What is a typical day for a Marketing Coordinator at the Houston Zoo?
My job entails coordinating special projects and promotions that involve a collaborative effort between the Zoo and other organizations, like television and, radio stations, newspapers, billboards, and our Zoo magazine.
I also assist my team with managing/creating the message in Zoo’s magazine advertising, radio and television commercials, and the billboards our visitors see around the city and on Zoo grounds.
When we have special events involving radio or television programs highlighting our animals or Zoo events such as Feast with the Beasts, I make sure all of the event details are communicated clearly on our website and with our event partners.
