Communications and Database Assistant

Date Posted: 6/21/2018
Department: Communications & Outreach
Type of Employment: Part-Time

Job Overview

Position Title:  Communications and Database Assistant
Position Information: Part-time, hourly
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Vacancies: 1 Opening

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 Communications Assistant will support the Director of Communications and Development with day-to-day activities related to communications and development. This position will have the unique opportunity to engage in various aspects of IEC’s communication activities including social media, the website, emails and newsletters, event planning and promotion, and more as identified. In addition, the position will assist in development activities through the maintenance of the organization’s database, assisting with data entry, running queries and reports, and routinely examining and cleaning records to ensure accuracy and database integrity.

Specific duties may include:

• Assisting with formatting, proofing, and release of outgoing communication materials including emails, press releases, blog posts, white papers, educational handouts, and others as assigned.
• Updating and maintaining a media contact list.
• Monitoring and reporting on media hits and social media metrics.
• Maintaining social media accounts including posting, tracking, and responding to requests.
• Maintaining the IEC website including posting and formatting content.
• Assisting with the preparation of multimedia presentations (PPT, etc.).  
• Assisting with coordination for IEC events, such as fundraisers, rallies, and the Annual Conference.
• Staffing an IEC exhibit table at partner events.
• Updating donor records, running reports, and preparing mailings using the donor database.
• Identifying opportunities to grow IEC’s organizational and individual memberships.

The position will report to IEC’s Director of Communications and Development. The position may also work with other IEC staff to assist in the production and dissemination of the organization’s overall external messaging. 

Basic Job Requirements:

• Energetic, positive approach to communications support and protecting Iowa’s natural resources
• Associates degree or at least two years of coursework toward a degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field required.
• Education and/or experience in any of the following: communications, public relations, marketing, event planning or management, community outreach, organizing and/or campaign work.
• Excellent communications and writing skills.
• Understanding and experience with social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently and on a team. 

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Graphic design interest or experience, including use of graphic design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and others.
• Experience with strategic communications planning and implementation.
• Interest in or knowledge of Iowa’s environmental issues and the political landscape.

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.