Director of Marketing & Communications

Date Posted: 5/19/2024
Department: Communications & Outreach
Type of Employment: Full-Time

Position Title: Director of Marketing & Communications

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Permanent, Full-time Salaried, Exempt or Part-time Hourly, Non-Exempt

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Director is charged with maintaining a favorable public image for the Iowa Environmental Council and oversee all public relations, marketing, and communications efforts including, but not limited to, media relations, member communications, website and social management, messaging strategy and development, and outreach event planning. The Director coordinates with the Director of Development and program staff to develop outreach strategies for the Council’s programs, policies, and coalition building efforts with members and partners. The Director is responsible for overseeing or assisting with coordination and promotion of any non-fundraising events and outreach activities and provides support for fundraising activities as needed.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications and Public Relations 

• Understand and clearly communicate the Council’s issues, policies and constituencies that influence our work.

• Develop and assist with the production of publications/materials to support communications, campaigns and other information (potential to include but not limited to: e-newsletter, annual report, membership materials, fact sheets, legislative priorities and position papers, event materials)

• Develop and maintain positive media relations including fielding media inquiries, developing media releases and press kits, scheduling meetings with editorial board members and reporters, and media tours with IEC staff and board leaders. Maintain media list and provide media training to staff.

• Produce content for various sources through ghostwriting, editing and pitching stories, columns, letters to the editor, and op-eds. Help develop and maintain positive relations with member organizations and the public.

• Develop a comprehensive plan for social media engagement; oversee management and assist with development of the Council’s website, blog, and social media accounts; identify creative, innovative online and other approaches to the Council’s work.

• Oversee management and assist with development of the Council’s legislative action alert system

• Assist Executive Director, Board of Directors, the Development Director, and staff in developing communication campaigns and strategies for major policy issues and projects.

• Coordinate with member organizations to maximize outreach.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and board to develop, coordinate, and execute the organization’s branding standards, including logo and color palette marketing materials, and resources that align with identified standards.

• Develop branded resources for staff use including PowerPoint slide decks, folders and other necessary materials for meetings, exhibits, presentations, and other public-facing programs. Schedule public presentations in accordance with the strategic plan.

• Develop an annual promotional plan to increase IEC’s visibility and expand our message with the public, including sponsorships, exhibits, presentations, ads, and other opportunities as identified.

• Develop and manage annual communications plan by establishing objectives, activities, timelines and track progress.

• Collaborate on and oversee or coordinate communication responsibilities for coalition work, including such responsibilities as media relations, promotion and marketing, and other tasks as identified depending on the coalition project. 

Event Planning, Management and Publicity

• Oversee, with support from the Finance and Operations Administrator, the Development Director, and Communications and Advocacy Associates, the planning, coordination, management and promotion of the Council’s member/public outreach events, such as Lobby Day and other such non-fundraising events, including event development, speaker arrangements, design, publicity, and other duties.

• Provide support to the Finance and Operations Administrator, the Development Director, Communications and Advocacy Associates, and other staff as necessary, in planning, coordination, sponsorship solicitations, and marketing and promotional planning and execution of the Council’s member/public fundraising events, such as Pro H2O.

Administration and Planning 

• Oversee the collection of data and participate in the regular analyses of the results of communication efforts, and provide monthly reports.

• Recruit and supervise marketing and communications interns as needed.

• Manage the marketing and advertising budget and non-fundraising event budgets.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required.

• Must embrace the mission of the Council.

• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience in nonprofit media relations, public relations, fundraising or development.

• Knowledge and experience in event planning

• Self-starter with the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships.

• Possess results-oriented dedication; ability to work under pressure on deadline.

• Take the initiative in recognizing and understanding the political and cultural events that shape our messaging and image.

• Strong organizational, analytical, written and verbal communication skills are critical.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work in dynamic team environment.

• Ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours.

• Ability to travel across state of Iowa occasionally

Desired

• Experience working in non-profit settings with mission-driven staff and board.

• Exposure to public policy development and advocacy.

• Experience with email messaging platforms.

• Grassroots organizing experience.

• Experience managing support staff and contractors.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.

BENEFITS (full time employees):

• 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. 

Compensation: $70,000 - $85,000 based on experience

TO APPLY:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to Sarah Green: green@iaenvironment.org. Position listing is open until filled.