Strategic Communications & Outreach Specialist

Date Posted: 6/19/2018
Department: Programs
Type of Employment: Full-Time

Position Title: Strategic Communications & Outreach Specialist
Position Information: Full-Time, Salaried
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Vacancies: 1 Opening

Travel Required: This position requires travel within the state of Iowa for work-related meetings and outreach. Travel outside of Iowa may be required on infrequent occasions for educational conferences, etc.

Organizational Background

The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.  Founded in 1995, IEC is the largest and most comprehensive environmental coalition in the state, comprised of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect and preserve Iowa's natural resources. Together, we unify Iowans to advocate for clean water & land stewardship, clean energy, and a healthy climate.

By amplifying the voices of Iowans and leveraging our collective influence, we advocate for a cleaner, healthier Iowa at the legislature, rule-making agencies and, when necessary, in the courts.
Through education, advocacy and coalition building, we raise awareness, generate action and create large-scale change that makes Iowa a better place to live, work and explore.

To learn more about our work, visit https://www.iaenvironment.org.

Job Description

The ideal candidate for this position will possess: 1) a strong understanding of Iowa’s socioeconomic/political landscape and the environmental challenges facing our state, 2) exceptional written and verbal communication skills, 3) experience in community outreach and coalition-building, 4) a high motivation to take on challenges within a fast-paced environment, and 4) the ability to work effectively both independently and on a team.

The Strategic Communications & Outreach Specialist will help to increase the public profile and impact of IEC’s Water Program. Specific tasks may include:

• Helping to plan and deliver a multi-year outreach strategy, including coordinating and conducting meetings with stakeholders, planning advocacy events, working to get media coverage, convening subject-matter experts, etc.;
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of a multi-year communications strategy to promote and disseminate key messages on specific policy priorities.
• Overseeing IEC’s outreach work on specific issue campaigns focused on priority audiences and cooperating with partnering organizations on their implementation;
• Working to develop and maintain relationships with other nonprofits, private sector businesses, and public sector entities across the state to strengthen IEC’s advocacy base and build on the organization’s coalition of clean water advocates
• Representing IEC at external meetings with public/private/nonprofit sector stakeholders and media
• Writing and providing editorial support for various communications/outreach materials including: internal/external talking points, educational handouts, blogs, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
• Assisting with the preparation of multimedia presentations (PPT, etc.) for events.
• Assisting with website updates, including: developing/writing, reviewing and editing content, and ensuring content is up-to-date.
• Supporting the creation of an educational/outreach video, including: drafting content, organizing participants, writing scripts for voice-over narration, providing editorial support, etc.

The position will report to IEC’s Water Program Director. The position will also work closely with IEC’s Communications & Development Director to align the organization’s overall external messaging. 

Basic Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Education and/or experience in any of the following:  communications, public relations, government relations, community outreach, organizing and/or campaign work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently and on a team. 

Preferred Skills

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with strategic communications planning and implementation.
• Experience with planning and implementing a targeted, community outreach campaign and/or coalition-building around issue advocacy.
• Knowledge of Iowa’s socioeconomic/political landscape and Iowa’s water quality issues.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical & Dental Insurance
• IRA
• Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Medical Flex Spending Account

To Apply

Please email a resume, cover letter, and one writing sample to Kitty Jacobson at  jacobson@iaenvironment.org or mail to the Iowa Environmental Council, 505 Fifth Ave. Suite 850, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.