Advocacy Outreach Coordinator

Stream Teams United is seeking a motivated, passionate individual to join our team to work on a three-year project to create a systems level change for the reduction of plastic use and plastic pollution in the state of Missouri.   Supported by Missouri Foundation for Health, we are partnering with the Missouri River Bird Observatory and other organizations to facilitate reduction of plastic use in Missouri through education and policy.

The Advocacy Outreach Coordinator is a full-time, salaried position as an employee of Stream Teams United.  Beginning September 3rd, 2024, this coordinator position is a three-year term position with possibility of extension based on funding and performance.  The position location is negotiable, but residence within the Jefferson City/Columbia, MO area is preferred.  The Advocacy Outreach Coordinator’s work requires travel throughout the state of Missouri to meet with decision makers and partners to discuss opportunities for reducing plastic use through policy and management strategies.  The Advocacy Outreach Coordinator position is based on a shared vision between Stream Teams United and Missouri River Bird Observatory to engage Missourians, their communities, and many organizational partners in collaborative education and grassroots advocacy work to reduce plastic use/pollution.

Main responsibilities of the Advocacy Outreach Coordinator position include:

• Research local and state policies and management strategies related to plastic use reduction.
• Receive education from the national organization Beyond Plastics, please see: https://www.beyondplastics.org). Work to grow/increase the number of Beyond Plastics affiliates/chapters in Missouri over three years.
• Meet with decision makers who have the ability to influence change in the abundance of plastic use, provide information, and discuss areas for collaborative efforts for reduction of plastic use; assess with decision makers and partners which policy options may provide potential for tangible change in the reduction of plastic use in Missouri. Assist with tracking related legislation and potential opportunities for policy collaboration.
• Build a local network of advocates in the state metropolitan areas including St. Louis, Columbia, Jefferson City, Osage Beach, and Springfield.
• Facilitate opportunities for Missouri decision makers (mayors and state legislators) to participate alongside Stream Team cleanup efforts to see first-hand the prevalence of plastic in communities and build relationships/networks with the community-based volunteer groups physically removing plastic from the environment.
• Create and facilitate opportunities for the Missouri public to reach decision makers about the concern of impact of plastics on the environment and human health (with information only/non-lobbying content).
• Attend public meetings and provide an advocacy presence/representation of plastic use reduction and human health related water contaminants.
• Create social media content and work with local media to increase coverage of the topic of the ecosystem and human health impacts of plastic, and strategies to reduce plastic use in Missouri.
• In collaboration with project partners, develop and disseminate surveys for decision-makers, students in classrooms, school district administrators, civic groups and/or general public to assess the current state of plastic pollution knowledge among Missourians.
• Communicate with Executive Director regarding statewide water quality issues and topics.

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in an environmental field, policy or law, communications or marketing. Other degrees may be considered based on experience and skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in speaking to individuals and groups.
• Ability to travel in personal vehicle to locations throughout Missouri for meetings with decision-makers and partners.
• Proficient computer skills including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and ability to learn cloud-based document sharing.
• Ability to work independently, with broad direction from Stream Teams United, in collaboration with partner organizations, and most importantly as part of a supportive team.
• Dedication to environmental conservation and a willingness to serve this cause demonstrated by a high level of initiative, motivation, and energy.

Work Environment:
The position is being offered as a home-office based position, with the possibility of an out-of-home office arrangement if located in the Jefferson City, Missouri area.  The employee can work remotely (i.e. from home) much of the time but must live in the state of Missouri, preferably the central Missouri region (i.e. Jefferson City/Columbia area). 

The Advocacy Outreach Coordinator will be provided with a laptop computer, printer, relevant software subscriptions, and office supplies.  A work cell phone may be provided based on the preference of the employee. 

The Advocacy Outreach Coordinator will work independently but with frequent communications with Stream Teams United staff and program partners, including weekly staff and bi-weekly partner meetings.

Benefits:

• Starting salary of $41,600 annually with planned 3% salary increases in Years 2 and 3 of the project.
• Monthly health insurance premium reimbursement (QSEHRA) of $150.
• All work-related travel will be paid or reimbursed, to include lodging, applicable meeting and event registrations, meal stipend, and mileage for personal vehicle use at the IRS federal business mileage rate.
• Ten days paid vacation per year and five paid holidays.
• Frequent professional development opportunities are provided.
• Independence and flexibility in work scheduling.