Advocacy and Communications Associate - Water & Environmental Justice

Date Posted: 5/12/2023
Department: Communications & Outreach
Type of Employment: Full-Time

Position Title:  Advocacy and Communications Associate
Reports to:  Director of Communications 
Status:  Full-time, non-exempt
Location: Iowa  

About IEC 

The Iowa Environmental Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the largest environmental coalition in the state. Through education, advocacy, and coalition-building, we raise awareness, generate action, and create large-scale change. We work on federal, state, and local public policy issues to ensure a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans. We provide a highly collaborative, supportive, and flexible work environment.  

Scope of Responsibility 

The Advocacy and Communications Associate will work closely with members of IEC’s staff to assist in the development and delivery of advocacy messaging and outreach strategies for a portfolio of subject matter areas including clean water and land stewardship, climate change, and environmental justice.  

The Associate will create content for internal and external communication vehicles including websites, emails and newsletters, social media, presentations, fact sheets, talking points, press releases, action alerts, and others as identified in support of IEC goals. The Associate will also assist with direct outreach on policy issues and assist with planning, promotion, and execution of outreach events throughout the state. This includes support for environmental justice outreach with diverse communities and for Iowa Water Watch, the outreach arm of IEC’s Clean Water and Land Stewardship Program.

This position will work in collaboration with a cross-functional team with expertise in communications, legislative advocacy, corporate responsibility, legal/regulatory work, grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and environmental science and policy. 

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of Iowa’s environmental issues and political landscape, and will be skilled at translating technical, scientific, and policy information into accurate and compelling communications and outreach materials.  

Description of Duties 

• Provide project management, writing, analysis, and support of assigned communications and outreach materials.  
• Assist with the planning, creation, and roll-out of internal and external communications including reports and publications, email, social media, blog posts, guest columns or letters to the editor, talking points, factsheets, infographics, and other items as identified.  
• Assist in the planning and implementation of program and project-specific communication strategies to promote and disseminate key messages on policy priorities to policymakers, key stakeholders, and the general public.  
• With the input and assistance of the Communications Director and other program directors, manage regular email, web, and social media and content related to clean water, climate change, and environmental justice.  
• Assist with preparation of multimedia presentations for educational and outreach events.  
• Attend and represent IEC at outreach events and meetings with stakeholders as assigned. 
• Assist with maintaining the IEC website including posting and formatting content, updating the event calendar, monitoring for needed updates and working with staff to facilitate these updates. 
• Maintain monthly reports on IEC communication and outreach deliverables.  
• Assist with communications for general IEC operational needs and other needs as identified.  
• Recommend ideas to increase IEC’s impact and audience reach using communication and marketing tools, lists, and resources. 
• Ensure IEC’s outgoing materials adhere to identified brand and grammatical standards. 

Qualifications 

Required: 

• 2 or more years of professional experience in a relevant role.
• BA or coursework in environmental science, sustainability, environmental policy, or related field, with experience or coursework in communications, public relations, marketing, political science, and/or community outreach. 
• Willingness and ability to travel and meet independently with people and organizations and attend meetings statewide, consistent with safety guidelines; must have valid driver’s license.   
• Ability to attend events as assigned some weekends or evenings; flex time provided.  
• Excellent communication and writing skills. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.  
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects in a frequently changing environment.  
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to meet goals.  
• Passion for IEC’s mission and a commitment to principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

Desirable: 

• Background with customer or supporter databases, email marketing software, and social media platforms.  
• Graphic design interest or experience, including use of graphic design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, and others. 
• Experience working with traditional media including print and T.V. 
• Experience with communications in the context of a political or issue campaign.  
• Photography, video, or drone experience. 

Benefits:  

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Family Leave, and Volunteer Time  
• Paid Holidays  
• Health and Dental Insurance   
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance   
• Simple IRA   
• Flex Savings Account  
• Parking Provided, Travel Reimbursed   
• Flexible work arrangement including working from home and/or outside of regular business hours as approved by supervisor    

The Iowa Environmental Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community engaged with working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from all qualified applicants.  

Pay Range: $48,000 – $52,000 depending on skills and experience.  

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Kitty Jacobson at jacobson@iaenvironment.org by May 30.