Communications and Outreach Manager

Communication and Outreach Manager Full-Time | Landfill Department | Direct to Hire Location: Black Hawk County, IA (Onsite — no remote option) Compensation: $80,000–$85,000, based on experience Hours: Standard business hours, Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for community events (to be confirmed with hiring manager) Reports to: Solid Waste Administrator REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Required Qualifications Professional marketing or communications background: At least 3–5 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, community outreach, or a related field. This is an experienced position requiring someone who can manage projects independently and make sound decisions with limited supervision. Ability to build programs from the ground up: Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, or launching marketing, communications, or community outreach initiatives. You should be comfortable creating structure, processes, and strategies where none currently exist. Exceptional written communication: Experience creating clear, engaging content for public audiences, including press releases, articles, newsletters, announcements, and social media. You should also be capable of developing internal documents such as policies, procedures, memoranda, and standard operating procedures. Digital and website experience: Proficiency managing and maintaining websites, preferably WordPress, along with social media platforms. Experience improving digital content, website organization, visual presentation, and overall online engagement is preferred. Community outreach and event experience: Background coordinating or delivering presentations, educational sessions, tours, events, or similar programs for a variety of audiences, including residents, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders. On-site work requirement: This is an in-person position and requires regular work at the Commission's office. The successful candidate will work closely with the Administrator, particularly during the onboarding and initial development period. Valid Iowa driver's license: A current Iowa driver's license is required to meet Commission insurance and driving requirements. Preferred Qualifications Experience within the solid waste, recycling, environmental, sustainability, or related services industries Previous experience with a nonprofit, public agency, or community-focused organization Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field Experience or comfort delivering occasional presentations to children or school groups School-based education is a limited, periodic responsibility associated with the position and should not be viewed as a full-time teaching or curriculum-development function. THE OPPORTUNITY Join a public organization dedicated to providing responsible and sustainable solid waste management services to the residents and businesses of Black Hawk County, Iowa. This newly established position offers the opportunity to play a key role in developing the Commission's communications and community outreach efforts. As a relatively new independent organization, the Commission is continuing to build its team, processes, and public-facing presence. Working directly with the Administrator, you'll help establish the foundation for the organization's communications strategy. Early priorities may include developing policies and procedures, strengthening the website, creating consistent communications practices, and increasing awareness of Commission programs throughout the community. As the position develops, you'll have the freedom to take ownership of your responsibilities and execute against established priorities. We're looking for someone who is comfortable receiving direction, developing solutions, and moving projects forward independently. If you enjoy creating something new, taking initiative, and seeing your work make a tangible difference in the community, this opportunity offers considerable room to make an impact. WHAT YOU'LL DO Communications & Marketing Develop communications strategies, promotional materials, digital campaigns, and content for the Commission's website and social media channels. Create, edit, and distribute press releases, public service announcements, articles, and other public-facing communications. Manage and regularly refresh website content and social media platforms. Help establish a consistent brand voice, visual identity, and messaging across Commission communications. Identify new opportunities to improve public awareness and engagement with Commission programs. Community Outreach & Engagement Plan and deliver presentations, seminars, tours, waste audits, and other outreach activities for residents and businesses. Represent the Commission at community, regional, state, and national meetings, conferences, and events. Develop relationships and collaborate with governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community partners. Recruit, organize, and coordinate volunteers for community initiatives and special events, including household hazardous waste collection programs. Promote programs and initiatives that encourage responsible waste management and environmental stewardship. Policies, Procedures & Reporting Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures, guidelines, and standard operating procedures. Compile reports, statistics, performance information, and program updates for the Administrator and Commission. Develop and distribute surveys, feedback forms, and other tools designed to measure program effectiveness. Monitor outreach activities and results and recommend improvements where appropriate. Educational Outreach Deliver a limited number of educational presentations to school-aged audiences each year to meet applicable legal requirements. Communicate basic waste-management, recycling, and environmental concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. Educational programming represents a small and occasional portion of the role and is not intended to be an ongoing teaching or curriculum-development position. WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY? Build Something That Matters This is more than maintaining an existing communications program. You'll have the opportunity to help create one. From establishing the Commission's online presence to developing community outreach initiatives and coordinating public events, you'll have meaningful ownership over how the organization communicates and connects with the people it serves. You'll work directly with the Administrator and have the opportunity to shape the position as the Commission continues to evolve. As the organization grows, there is potential for the scope and level of responsibility associated with this role to grow as well. For someone who is proactive, resourceful, and comfortable working independently, this is an opportunity to make a visible contribution to an organization providing an essential public service.