Community Outreach Coordinator

The Community Outreach Coordinator will be part of a team executing statewide education, outreach, and coalition-building efforts related to the environmental risk factors of cancer. This newly created position will play a central role in building grassroots power across Iowa to reduce exposure to environmental pollutants and advance policies that protect public health.

The Coordinator will play a central role in developing advocacy networks that reach all corners of the state, serving as the primary liaison with partners, coordinating internal communications, supporting regional leadership, planning events, and executing advocacy strategies. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with community leaders, health professionals, policymakers, and partner organizations to raise awareness and drive meaningful policy change.

Work with IEC team and partners in:

Developing Outreach Strategy

• Develop a statewide education, outreach, and advocacy strategy designed to drive public engagement toward addressing the environmental risk factors of cancer in Iowa
• Establish goals, timelines, and metrics for outreach and engagement efforts
• Track progress and adjust strategies based on outcomes and opportunities
• Assist with event budgets, project funding, and grant reporting

Coalition Building and Grassroots Organizing

• Build and strengthen relationships with community organizations, public health and healthcare professionals, environmental advocates, and other stakeholders throughout Iowa with an interest in cancer and environmental risk factors to build a diverse coalition that spans rural and urban communities in Iowa
• Create structures and processes for information sharing and planning that allow for collaboration between a variety of diverse organizations and volunteers
• Serve as the key point of contact and organizer for partner groups across Iowa working to address the environmental risk factors of cancer
• Assist local leaders with the development of networks in their region
• Identify opportunities to expand grassroots engagement statewide

Education and Public Outreach

• Assist in the development of educational materials and messaging on environmental health risks, including cancer
• Plan and coordinate meetings, trainings, and public events statewide
• Support community-driven engagement and storytelling

Advocacy and Policy Engagement

• Research and evaluate policy options to address environmental health risks, including cancer
• Educate partners statewide about policy proposals and solicit feedback on policies
• Help mobilize grassroots supporters to influence decision-makers

Communications and Media Outreach

• Serve as a spokesperson for campaign efforts when appropriate
• Work with the Director of Marketing and Communications to draft environment and public health communications, specifically amplifying regional stories and campaign updates

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 2+ years in project management, advocacy, communications, community organizing, public health outreach, or related work
• Experience working with diverse coalitions or community partnerships

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects
• Ability to build relationships across diverse communities
• Strategic thinking and campaign planning skills
• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills, able to present in-person and virtually to large and small audiences and represent IEC at public events, some occurring on weekends or evenings
• Willingness and ability to travel within Iowa to attend statewide meetings and engage independently with partners and organizations, consistent with safety guidelines; must possess a valid driver’s license
• Passion for IEC’s mission and commitment to principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of environmental health or cancer risk factors
• Experience working in Iowa communities
• Advocacy or policy experience
• Collaborative leadership style
• Ability to work independently in a new role
• Cultural competency and community-centered approach

Benefits

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Family Leave, and Volunteer Time
• Paid Holidays
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Simple IRA
• Parking Provided, Required 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: $56,000-$60,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

The deadline to apply is May 4, 2026.

Pay: $56,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Des Moines, IA 50309