Communications and Outreach Manager

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Solid Waste Administrator, the employee is primarily responsible for developing, expanding, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating public relations outreach activities and education programs for the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission (Commission). The program focuses on educating the public about the Commission's service offerings, other management options available in the region, and the consequences of their solid waste management decisions, using the waste hierarchy as a guide. Other duties include performing administrative and supervisory tasks as directed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location to perform tasks.
• Enhances public awareness and interest in programs and services, by:
• Developing promotional communications, digital campaigns, and content for the website, social media pages, and other platforms.
• Researching fresh, creative messages and curricula to educate targeted audiences.
• Promoting the use of the education center and maintaining responsibility for display development, design, and upkeep.
• Writes, edits, proofs, and distributes communications as requested, such as newspaper articles, media news releases, social media posts, public service announcements, requests for proposals, and other materials.
• Coordinates and supervises community outreach activities, special events, and campaigns aimed at promoting public awareness and strengthening community partnerships, by:
• Conducting presentations, seminars, and waste audits targeted to businesses and residents of Black Hawk County.
• Collaborate with governmental, non-profit, and private entities in support of Commission priorities.
• Representing the Commission at meetings and events at the local, state, and national level with contractors, stakeholders, regulators, policy makers, colleagues, volunteers, and funders as requested.
• Identify, recruit and maintain volunteer support for programming, including the semi-annual household hazardous waste collection events
• Responsible for primary school-aged solid waste education meeting curriculum standards, by:
• Planning, developing, scheduling, and presenting education programs with defined lesson plans primarily targeted to middle and high school audiences
• Selecting and creating supporting educational materials and presentation methods.
• Leading or assisting with facility visits, tours, and conducting seminars.
• Handles other administrative tasks and responsibilities as required by the position, including:
• Assisting with the preparation of reports and statistics for administrators, the Commission, regulators, stakeholders, and granters.
• Creating and distributing surveys or other data collection sources to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of Programs.
• Researching waste management and recycling trends and providing recommendations to the Administrator, Commission, and others as requested.
• Assisting in planning efforts and completing written progress reports on a periodic basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and exercise practical judgment in the field. Must be able to manage time efficiently, self-direct work, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the community, stakeholders, contractors, and co-workers in a personable and professional manner in all forms of communication.
• Ability to adhere to brand identity and create brand-focused content.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to relay technical, regulatory, and engineering-related information in a manner easily understood by other staff, Commissioners, and the general public, who may have limited expertise in this area.
• Ability to analyze data, conduct research, and evaluate programs, campaigns, and activities.
• Ability to research, learn, and effectively apply child and adult education strategies.
• Demonstrated reliability and attention to detail, excel at follow-through, ability to prioritize, and motivation to learn new skills on the job.
• Demonstrated experience with public speaking, conducting presentations, and training events is preferred.
• Must be able to operate office equipment and be proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher), website publishing (WordPress), social media platforms, and productivity programs.
• Experience working with and engaging students in an educational environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, communications, marketing, education, or related field and at least one year of related work experience preferred; OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of local, regional, and environmental and solid waste practices is preferred.
• Knowledge of State education standards, core curriculum, and other education standards.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• Must have a current driver's license valid in the State of Iowa and be insured under the Commission guidelines.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance are required for this position.
• Obtain Iowa Landfill Operator’s Certification within the first 6 months of employment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environment will commonly be an office setting with few hazards. Hazards may be encountered when participating in household hazardous waste collections, entering or walking in landfill areas, and in outdoor weather conditions. Occasional car travel between facilities and groups may be required. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, hear, use hands and fingers, feel, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position, operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, lift files, open filing cabinets and bend as necessary. In addition, the employee must frequently lift and move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Ability to monitor surroundings for hazards and moving vehicles during work activities.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person