Communications and Outreach Manager

About the role

Our client is a public agency serving the residents and businesses of Black Hawk County, Iowa through responsible, sustainable waste management operations. This is a newly created role within a growing, relatively new standalone commission that is still building out its team and internal structure. You'll work closely with the Administrator to shape this position from the ground up. The first few months are hands-on: writing policies and procedures, getting the website into shape, and starting to build a public presence in the community. From there, you'll be given a clear outline of goals and the room to run with it — this role rewards someone who can take direction and then work independently, rather than someone who needs a playbook already in place.

This is a chance to build something from scratch rather than step into someone else's system. You'll have real ownership over how the Commission shows up publicly, from the website to community events, and a direct line to the Administrator while you get up to speed. Because the Commission is still growing, there's real room to expand this role's scope and responsibility over time for someone who takes initiative and does strong work. It's also public-facing work that matters: solid waste management is an essential service, and this role is how the community understands and engages with it.

Location: Black Hawk County, IA (Onsite — no remote option). Reports to: Administrator.

Responsibilities

• Develop promotional communications, digital campaigns, and content for the website and social media
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, public service announcements, and other public communications
• Maintain and update the Commission website and social media presence
• Ensure all content and materials reflect the Commission's brand identity
• Conduct presentations, seminars, and waste audits for businesses and residents
• Represent the Commission at local, state, and national meetings and events
• Collaborate with government, nonprofit, and private entities in support of Commission priorities
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers for community programming, including household hazardous waste collection events
• Write and maintain internal policies, procedures, and SOPs
• Prepare reports, statistics, and progress updates for the Administrator and Commission
• Create and distribute surveys or other tools to evaluate program effectiveness
• Lead a small number of school-based education sessions each year to satisfy a legal requirement — this is a periodic responsibility, not an ongoing teaching or curriculum-development role

Requirements

• Marketing or communications experience: 3–5+ years in a marketing, communications, or public outreach role. This is not an entry-level position — you'll be expected to own your work with minimal oversight from day one.
• Program ownership: Experience building or launching a communications