Director of Communications and Development

Date Posted: 2/20/2018
Department: Development
Type of Employment: Full-Time

Dynamic, fast-paced, interesting opportunity to directly influence the future of Iowa by safeguarding our natural resources.  If you have five or more years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising, public relations, development or media relations, you’re outgoing and inquisitive, and an excellent writer, please apply.  Join the largest environmental coalition in the state and make a difference to our members, the public, our regulators and elected officials in the future of our state. 

Reports to: Executive Director

Scope of Responsibility

The Director is charged with maintaining a favorable public image for the Iowa Environmental Council and will oversee all development, marketing and communications efforts including but not limited to media relations, member communications, website and social management, messaging strategy and development and event planning. The Director will build financial support for the organization and coordinate with 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 creating and fulfilling annual plans to meet the Council’s funding needs with a primary focus of individual giving and major gifts, and secondarily working on grants and overseeing events. The Director is expected to improve the rate of retention, identify new donors and increase donations.

The Director will be a key member of the management team of the Iowa Environmental Council. This person will work with the Executive Director and other staff as described below. The Director will manage the Communications and Development Assistant and any contract work related to the department.

Position Responsibilities

Communications and Public Relations 

• Develop an understanding of the issues, politics and constituencies that influence our work.
• Oversee production of publications/materials to support communications, campaigns and other information including monthly electronic newsletter, quarterly printed newsletter, annual report, membership materials, fact sheets, legislative priorities and position papers.
• Develop and maintain positive media relations including fielding media inquiries, developing media releases and press kits, scheduling meetings with editorial board members and reporters, ghostwriting, editing and pitching stories and op-eds. Maintain media list and provide media training to staff.
• Help develop and maintain positive relations with member organizations and the public.
• Oversee management of the Council’s website, blog, and social media accounts.
• Oversee management of the Council’s action alert system, using an online database, that facilitates grassroots communication with decision-makers.
• Assist Executive Director, Board of Directors and staff in developing communication campaigns and strategies for major policy issues and projects.
• Coordinate with member organizations to maximize outreach.

Event Planning, Management and Publicity

• Oversee, with support from the Finance and Operations Manager and the Communications and Development Assistant, the planning, coordination, management and promotion of the Council’s annual conference, lobby day and annual fundraiser, including event development, speaker arrangements, design, publicity, etc.

Administration and Planning 

• Oversee the collection of data and routine analyses of the results of communication efforts, including metrics, and provide monthly reports.
• Recruit and supervise marketing and communications interns as needed.
• Oversee fundraising, development, marketing and advertising budget.

Development and Fundraising

• Implement the development plan and manage the development program including cultivation and solicitations. 
• Oversee management of direct mail campaign to increase and retain individual and organizational memberships, including writing and overseeing production of member recruitment mailings, renewal mailings, regular special appeals and acquisition mailings.
• Coordinate, plan and implement organizational development strategies with board members, staff and development committee.
• Research and track foundation grant funding opportunities; in collaboration with program staff, write and edit proposals and reports; ensure deadlines are met and provide regular updates to board and foundations.
• Develop and implement a plan to expand business contributions.
• Conduct analysis of membership recruitment and retention activities and plan future efforts.
• Oversee management of the Council’s database system.

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 fundraising techniques and 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 the occasional evening or weekend hours.

Desired

• Experience working in non-profit settings with mission-driven staff and board.
• Exposure to public policy development and advocacy.
• Grassroots organizing experience.
• Experience managing support staff and contractors.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and customer relationship and fundraising databases.

Submit cover letter and resume to Kitty Jacobson at jacobson@iaenvironment.org by March 6.