HomeMy WebLinkAboutClimate Action Engagement SpecialistUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Climate Ac�on Engagement Specialist
Department: City Manager’s Office
Division: Office of Climate Ac�on & Outreach
Supervisor: Climate Ac�on Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 12
Job Number: 1219
Job Summary
Fosters and supports community rela�ons and engagement for City and community climate
ac�on ini�a�ves. Coordinates awareness, educa�on and marke�ng efforts for the Office of
Climate Ac�on and Outreach, with an external and internal audience. Ensures alignment of
Climate Ac�on educa�onal programs, special events, and communica�on materials with goals
and objec�ves of City Climate Ac�on and Adapta�on Plan. Ac�vely establishes, diversifies, and
strengthens community stakeholder partnerships. Manages environmental and climate ac�on
volunteer programs, facilitates meaningful engagement with diverse popula�ons, and supports
collabora�ve implementa�on of special projects and programs across City Departments.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Coordinates, plans, designs, and produces informa�onal materials in verbal, writen,
graphic, digital, video and other formats to generate awareness and educate the public
and City staff about climate ac�on in coordina�on with the Communica�ons Division.
• Develops climate ac�on press releases and web content and serves as liaison with the
media for assigned ac�vi�es; communicates climate ac�on messaging to the public and
City staff through digital, print and spoken presenta�on.
• Plans and coordinates community special events and facilitates community gatherings
focused on issues of climate ac�on.
• Supports community outreach through crea�ve partnerships with local organiza�ons,
agencies, businesses, educa�onal ins�tu�ons, faith communi�es and community
partners.
• Develops and presents educa�onal/training programs related to climate ac�on
ini�a�ves; coordinates with appropriate staff for community presenta�ons and
responses to requests and inquiries, as needed.
• Engages regularly with community and regional commitees, organiza�ons and informal
groups as representa�ve of City of Iowa City to build rela�onships with the public and
connect climate ac�on ac�vi�es with community issues and ini�a�ves.
• Supports and facilitates engagement with under-represented groups within the
community to create rela�onships and promote equitable access to climate ac�on
resources and educa�on.
Updated: March 2024
• Acts as volunteer coordinator for community climate ac�on service projects; works with
agencies such as businesses, educa�onal ins�tu�ons, groups and individuals connected
to the City which may implement climate ac�on ini�a�ves or ac�vi�es; leads and directs
volunteers in their project assignments.
• Works with Green Iowa AmeriCorps team facilita�ng weekly mee�ngs and project
guidance.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs all other related du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and one year of related
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combina�on of
educa�on and experience. Degree in Public Rela�ons, Journalism, Marke�ng, Event
Planning, Graphic Design, Environmental Policy and Planning, or related. Experience in
wri�ng, communica�on, and presenta�on skills.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record required. Must be at
least 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Experience in
community engagement, facilita�on, or media�on, sustainability program development
or planning and volunteer coordina�on. Bilingual speaking ability.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruc�ons furnished in
writen, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
propor�ons, percentages.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situa�ons.
• Ability to mediate or diffuse situa�ons which include differing opinions and experiences.
• Ability to quickly build posi�ve and inclusive rela�onships with persons of varying
backgrounds, knowledge, and abili�es.
• Ability to read and understand reports, manuals and other writen materials in order to
communicate informa�on to staff and the public in a user-friendly fashion.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to speak effec�vely before groups of customers or employees of organiza�on.
• Knowledge of greenhouse gas emissions and/or carbon emissions reduc�on techniques.
• Knowledge of social media, graphic design or community engagement tools.
• Skill in ac�ve and meaningful listening with ability to interpret intended meaning of
messages.
Updated: March 2024
• Skill in building and managing alliances of diverse interests.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effec�ve working rela�onships with members of the
public and City staff.
• Skill in event planning and volunteer management.
• Skill in marke�ng, public rela�ons, and communica�ons strategy.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Du�es are generally performed in
an office se�ng with a controlled environment. The job requires si�ng for extended periods of
�me and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situa�ons and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Geoff Fruin, City Manager (4/2024)
Updated: March 2024
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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