Water Program Associate

About the Iowa Environmental Council 

The Iowa Environmental Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the largest environmental coalition in the state. Through education, advocacy, and coalition-building, we raise awareness, generate action, and create large-scale change. We work on federal, state, and local public policy issues to ensure a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans. We provide a highly collaborative, supportive, and flexible work environment.  

Scope of Responsibility 

The Water Program Associate advances strategic water resources education, outreach, and advocacy initiatives for the Iowa Environmental Council. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who can bridge environmental science and communications, turning complex research and data into clear, compelling narratives that inform decision-makers, engage the public, and advance clean water in Iowa. 

The Associate will support the Water Program Director in conducting in-depth research, producing high-quality reports, and evaluating scientific and regulatory data related to water resources and public health. Technical findings are translated into accurate, accessible, and timely public-facing materials, including fact sheets, digital content, social media posts, presentations, and media resources.  

The Associate must also have excellent communication skills for building partnerships, representing IEC at public events, and delivering presentations to small and large audiences. Success in this role requires strong analytical ability, the capacity to manage multiple and evolving projects, and a high level of accuracy and attention to detail across all work products. 

Description of Duties:  

• Work with the Communications Director to create public-facing materials that communicate scientific findings and policy implications effectively to decision-makers, partners, media, and the general public.
• Work independently and proactively, translating broad strategic goals of the water program into clear work plans and deliverables.
• Coordinate and advance multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and timeliness.
• Deliver engaging in-person and virtual presentations and webinars to small and large audiences, including community groups, partner organizations, policymakers, and conference attendees; represent the organization as a knowledgeable and credible voice on water resources issues.
• Produce high-quality written materials, including comprehensive reports, policy priorities, fact sheets, op-eds, blog posts, and digital/social media content that translate technical information into compelling, accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Participate in local, regional, and national coalitions and working groups; serve as a liaison on water-related initiatives, represent the organization’s priorities, report back to internal teams, and contribute to collaborative strategy development.
• Engage in community outreach activities, including tabling, exhibiting, and event participation, to increase public awareness and build support for water initiatives.
• Conduct research as assigned by Water Program Director on water resources, connections to public health, and emerging policy issues.
• Analyze and evaluate complex datasets, measurements, monitoring results, and regulatory information with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail; synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights.

Qualifications 

Required:  

• 2 or more years of professional experience in a relevant role.
• Bachelor’s degree or coursework in environmental science, sustainability, environmental policy, or related field, with experience or coursework in communications, public relations, marketing, and/or community outreach.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and coordinate multiple projects in an evolving environment, working both independently and collaboratively to meet water program goals.
• Demonstrated experience in writing high-quality reports, fact sheets, or public-facing materials.
• 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.
• Willingness to present in-person and virtually to large and small audiences and represent IEC at public events, some occurring on weekends or evenings.
• Passion for IEC’s mission and commitment to principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of Iowa’s environmental issues and political landscape. Interest or experience in public health is a plus.
• Experience partnering with stakeholders to build support for environmental policies and initiatives.
• Skill at translating technical, scientific, and policy information into accurate and compelling communications and outreach materials.
• Experience with content creation for digital, print, and social media.
• Background with customer or supporter databases, email marketing software, and mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Interest or experience in graphic design, including use of tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, and others.

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, 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 commensurate with experience.