Community Outreach And Communications Specialist

About Invest DSM

Invest DSM empowers residents and business owners in targeted Des Moines neighborhoods to improve their properties, strengthen their social connections, and create a community that works for them.

Launched in 2019, Invest DSM is a first-of-its kind nonprofit and community development organization that combines public and private funding to nurture vibrant, healthy, thriving neighborhoods.

We partner with residents to foster neighborhoods with:

• Comfortable homes that can adapt to growing families
• A variety of thriving, independent businesses within walking distance
• A diversity of housing choices to accommodate all incomes and family types
• Safe and smooth streets and sidewalks
• Public green spaces for recreation
• Reasonable energy costs and sustainable building practices
• Connection and community among neighbors

Statement of Duties
Under general direction of the Neighborhood Development Manager, perform professional work involving marketing and Community Outreach to engage partners and residents to advance the mission of the organization.

Examples of Essential Duties:
1. Participate in the development of the overall Outreach and marketing strategy; develop innovative approaches to promoting a positive image that creates public awareness and understanding of Invest DSM’s services.
2. Oversee the overall communications for the organization including marketing, public relations, sponsorships, constituent communications, and special events.
3. Create marketing materials to promote Invest DSM grant programs.
4. Create regular electronic newsletters targeted to Invest DSM clients.
5. Collaborate with contracted vendors to manage the Invest DSM website and social media channels, creating dynamic content to tell Invest DSM’s story to constituent groups.
6. Assist with media relations, including but not limited to, identifying potential stories, drafting press releases, building relationships with media outlets, and creating talking points.
7. Create sponsorship materials and packages for prospective corporate partners.
8. Assist with creating reports and/or presentations, including the organization’s Annual Report, monthly reports to the Board, and other periodic progress reports for funders.
9. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with residents, neighborhood groups and key stakeholders.
10. Encourage and assist residents and other neighborhood stakeholders in organizing pride-building projects.
11. Attend neighborhood meetings and partner events in coordination with the Neighborhood Development Manager to provide information on Invest DSM programs, special projects and activities.
12. Explore partnerships to enhance and strengthen Invest DSM constituent Outreach and Communications.
13. Provide staff support to the neighborhood Stakeholder Committees, including scheduling, member orientation, agenda setting, and meeting facilitation.
14. Provide staff support to the Marketing & Engagement Committee, including scheduling, member orientation, agenda setting, and meeting facilitation.
15. Manage program-specific special projects.
16. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Knowledge of effective community engagement/outreach approaches.
· Knowledge of housing construction and residential real estate is desirable.
· Knowledge of business English, spelling and grammar.
· Skill in organizing/prioritizing tasks and attention to details.
· Skill in use of personal computers including proficiency in Microsoft Office required, Adobe Creative Suite desired, WordPress desired.
· Skill in the use of various social media platforms, specifically Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, etc.
· Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends to attend community meetings and special events.
· Excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with other employees, public officials, neighborhood stakeholders from all walks of life, and the general public.
· Ability to exercise high degree of judgment/discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
· Ability to meet deadlines/effectively multi-task.
· Ability to research, compile, analyze, and interpret data, exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions, andprepare clear/concise reports of findings.
· Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
· Ability to collaborate effectively with others.
· Ability to operate audiovisual equipment and deliver effective presentations.
· Ability to lift/carry materials/equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
· Ability to maintain a valid Iowa driver’s license.

Training and Experience:
· Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, business administration, urban planning or related field, and;
· Three years of related experience, or;
· Any equivalent combination of training and experience that has provided the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Special Requirement:
· A criminal background check may be required.
A valid Iowa Driver’s License and proof of insurance is required.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and skills may be subject to change based on organizational needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $67,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person