Water Program Director

Date Posted: 3/7/2018
Department: Programs
Type of Employment: Full-Time

Position Title: Water Program Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Permanent, full-time salaried position

The Iowa Environmental Council seeks a skilled and savvy leader to persuade key decision-makers to protect our streams, rivers and lakes from pollution, as well as engage and excite our members and the public to take action for clean water. Responsibilities include program development, advocacy, coalition-building, raising visibility, grassroots mobilization, fundraising, recruiting and mentoring interns and staff, and actively participating on committees and boards.

Responsibilities

- Program development: Participate in policy development, engage in research, and help create winning strategies and powerful messaging for our clean water program for the short and long-term vitality of the organization.

- Advocacy: Build relationships with key regional and state players on clean water. Present a compelling case for strong action on clean water to decision–makers through lobbying, testifying at hearings, providing briefings and producing written materials.

- Coalition building: Engage support from diverse and powerful allies and cultivate relationships with them over time including scientific, academic, business, industry, sustainable agriculture, recreation, and habitat groups.

- Media and visibility: Earn media attention and online visibility overseeing social media posts, as well as reports, press releases, op-eds and letters to the editor. Build relationships with reporters and pitch stories to them. Enhance our visibility through networking at conferences and speaking on panels. Be aware of the cultural, political and environmental issues that affect the work of the Council and formulate a plan to act upon those issues.

- Review, draft and critique materials: Review technical periodicals, websites, news materials, and then form responses as necessary for media and general public use. Assist member organizations and the public in understanding complex issues by developing materials for the Council quarterly newsletter, board reports, annual report, fact sheets, position papers and other publications as necessary.

- Grassroots mobilization: Support our efforts to mobilize citizens by providing compelling and timely information and opportunities for action and briefing our staff, our board and volunteers.

- Fundraising: Assist with writing grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff, and meet with major donors to bring more resources to our campaigns. Work with staff and board to build and develop a strong membership base to sustain our work.

- Recruiting and developing interns and staff: Recruit new staff, new interns and new volunteers to increase our impact and build more power.

- Active participation on boards, committees and advisory groups: Present a clear strong voice for clean water on technical committees, stakeholder groups, project committees, public hearings,

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required; advanced degree preferred.
At least four years of relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated commitment to the goals of environmental quality and sustainability.
Embrace the mission of the Council.
Possess a track record of leadership.
Experience lobbying at the state level.
Proven success working across diverse political and ideological sectors including business, industry and environmental interests.
Excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills.
Ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere.
Enthusiasm for the work.

Benefits

Paid Vacation and Medical Leave
Medical & Dental Insurance
Life & Long Term Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Account
IRA

Submit your cover letter and resume to Kitty Jacobson - jacobson@iaenvironment.org by March 30, 2018