Overview
The Iowa Ag Water Alliance (IAWA) is a nonprofit that works behind the scenes to build programs, funding, partnerships, and outreach that help farmers improve water quality. Our mission is to improve the pace and scale of farmer-led efforts to improve water quality.
IAWA has the benefit of being part of a broader team, Amplify Association Management, which shares resources and expertise.
IAWA is seeking candidates who share our team’s values:
- Farmer-first: Everything we do is to help farmers lead in water quality and achieve successful conservation outcomes.
- No box-checking: Doing work for the sake of work doesn’t lead to change.
- Filling gaps: We look for ways to fill gaps and solve problems that others say “no” to.
- Curiosity & experimentation: Sometimes being innovative means failing. As long as we learn, it’s part of the process.
Objective: The Director of Communications and Engagement is responsible for leading IAWA’s communications, engagement, marketing and outreach efforts to grow the organization’s relationships, influence and visibility. The Director serves as a strategic communications advisor to the Executive Director and works across IAWA, Amplify, ISA and partner organizations to advance IAWA’s mission.
The Director also leads assigned communications and engagement efforts for Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA).
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Essential Functions
- Develops and executes communications and engagement strategies that advance IAWA’s mission and organizational priorities.
- Serves as a strategic communications advisor to the Executive Director, staff and Board of Directors.
- Builds and maintains relationships with farmers, agricultural organizations, government agencies, funders, business partners, media and other key stakeholders.
- Leads IAWA’s marketing, communications, storytelling, media relations and outreach efforts.
- Translates complex agriculture, conservation and water quality issues into clear and effective communications for diverse audiences.
- Identifies opportunities to grow IAWA’s visibility, credibility, relationships and influence.
- Guides the continued growth and development of IAWA’s Conservation Compass.
- Leads assigned communications and engagement efforts for Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA).
- Develops executive, board and organizational communications, including presentations, talking points, briefing materials and other strategic messaging.
- Represents IAWA at appropriate meetings, events and conferences and may serve on external boards, councils or committees on behalf of the organization.
- Provides direction, coordination and accountability for contracted vendors and external communications partners.
- Develops and manages the annual communications and engagement budget.
- Collaborates across IAWA, Amplify, ISA and partner organizations to ensure communications and engagement efforts are coordinated and aligned.
- Monitors emerging issues, opportunities and trends affecting IAWA, agriculture, conservation and water quality.
- Supports organizational events, meetings and other activities as needed.
Competencies
- Strategic Communication: Ability to connect communications and engagement activities to organizational strategy, priorities, and desired outcomes.
- Relationship Building: Builds trust and productive relationships across diverse audiences, organizations, and perspectives.
- Written & Verbal Communication: Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly.
- Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates self-awareness, active listening, sound judgment, empathy, and professionalism.
- Strategic Thinking: Sees beyond individual communications tactics and understands how relationships, messaging, and engagement contribute to organizational influence.
- Curiosity: Maintains a strong interest in agriculture, conservation, water quality, and the issues affecting IAWA and its partners.
- Organization: Effectively manages multiple projects, priorities, partners, deadlines, and competing demands.
- Problem Solving: Identifies gaps, develops practical solutions, and is willing to tackle challenges others may avoid.
- Collaboration: Works effectively across organizational boundaries and contributes wherever needed to advance shared goals.
Travel/Location
- Travel required. Travel is outside the local area and/or out-of-state.
- Multiple consecutive days of travel and overnight stays required.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibility at this time but may provide leadership and direction to staff, contracted vendors, and external communications partners as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, agriculture, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Three to five years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, stakeholder engagement, nonprofit leadership, agriculture, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies and producing high-quality communications for diverse audiences.
- Experience building relationships with external stakeholders and managing multiple projects, priorities, and partners.
- Equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience in agriculture, conservation, water quality, natural resources, or a related field.
- Experience managing budgets, contractors, vendors, or staff.
- Experience working within a nonprofit, association, or mission-driven organization.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
- FSA and HSA available
- Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
- Paid Parental Leave
- 401(k) with generous company match
- On-site fitness center and golf simulator
- Tuition reimbursement program
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