Public Affairs Administrator

About us

Metro Waste Authority is quasi-governmental agency that operates in Des Moines, IA.

Our work environment includes:

• Safe work environment
• Modern office setting
• Casual work attire
• Lively atmosphere

Join Our Team!!

If you’re looking for a position with a lot of variety in a fast-paced work environment, Metro Waste Authority is the place for you!

What we offer:

• IPERS
• Paid-time off
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Deferred compensation plan with company match
• Cafeteria Plan
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Casual dress code

Position Summary

The Public Affairs Administrator will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to drive stakeholder engagement, community partnerships, communications, customer care excellence and education and outreach opportunities. This position has direct responsibility for marketing, communications, education and outreach, and customer care departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for development and oversight of the agency’s brand management and reputation.
• Prepares and monitors annual operating budget and capital plan to support facility and service line objectives.
• Administers residential solid waste, recycling, and yard waste services, hauling, customer service and vendor contracts. Maintains positive working relationships with residents, cities, and haulers.
• Oversees, coordinates, and supervises the day-to-day operations of the Public Affairs and customer care department.
• Assess all marketing, internal/external communication, and customer care initiatives, processes and programs and infuses innovation and improvements, as needed.
• Guides business to business, business to consumer and education priorities for MWA, setting strategy and overseeing outreach efforts.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the public, key government officials, MWA member communities, and represents MWA in the business community and in regulatory matters, as appropriate.
• Provides effective and professional leadership and direction, promotes positive employee morale and drives change throughout the organization.
• Leads the communications and marketing initiatives outlined as key priorities by the MWA Board. Determines stakeholders and program parameters while evaluating MWA’s viability or vulnerability. Contributes to the development of MWA long range goals and objectives through cross-departmental collaboration.
• Develops, implements, and manages MWA programs and projects to better serve member communities and address strategic business initiatives.
• Positions MWA as community and industry solid waste and recycling expert. Serves as an official spokesperson of MWA, conferring with the senior leadership. Facilitates applications for critical acclaim and secures grant funding for applicable projects.
• Develops internal policy and procedures for communication and marketing, and customer service standards.
• Maintains knowledge of latest technological developments, monitors industry trends, and provides subject matter expertise in these areas.
• Performs other special projects, duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MWA Values

Demonstrates an understanding of Metro Waste Authority’s values and applies them to the position, and assigned responsibilities, as well as to all interactions with customers and co-workers.

• Leadership – Set the example because everyone is a leader!
• Integrity – Always do what is right!
• Positivity – Bring our best to every task, every day and bring out the best in your colleagues!
• Teamwork – Collaborate because we know that together we will address opportunities and challenges!
• Innovation – Forge a new path and evolve!

Competencies

Behavioral competencies are any behaviors, attitudes, or personality traits that help predict how successful a candidate will be at the job they are applying for. These competencies may also include knowledge, skills, and actions that make a candidate stand-out when hiring.

• - Aligns day to day activities around broader organizational goals and objectives; prioritizes resources based on the strategic objectives of the organization; recognizes and rewards people based on how their actions support the broader needs of the company.
• - Able to predict how different people are likely to act in different situations; has good insight into people's personality and work style; understands people's strengths and talents; knows what sort of tasks people are likely to do well and areas where they may struggle.
• - Establishes clear budgets for different activities; looks for ways to reduce the cost of activities; delivers projects on time and within budget; prevents cost overruns.
• - Communicates project goals, timelines, and milestones; lets people know what they need to accomplish; identifies project interdependencies and potential resource constraints; follows up with others to ensure they are on track to meet project goals.
• - Effectively leverages negotiating strategies and tactics to reach mutually agreeable solutions; focuses on win-win solutions; outlines requirements, contingencies and timetables that help drive discussions toward completion.
• - Builds consensus across individuals with different viewpoints; helps people find common goals and interests; finds mutually agreeable solutions to problems; addresses conflicts so they do not escalate into more major problems.
• - Identifies and articulates the strategic goals and direction of the company, division, or group; establishes connections between short term goals and long-term objectives and directions.

Travel

• This position requires frequent travel in and around the Des Moines metro area to support all Metro Waste Authority facilities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or business.
• 7-10 years of related experience in public relations or governmental affairs.
• 3-5 years of management experience.
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in public relations, Communications, or related field.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $91,000.00 - $114,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Family leave
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 7 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Office

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• What are your salary requirements?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• management: 3 years (Required)
• public relations or governmental affairs.: 7 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations