Strategic Communication Manager

Metro Waste Authority•Des Moines, IA

just now•$66,600 - $99,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Communication Manager is responsible for leading Metro Waste Authority's brand strategy, strategic communications, public relations, marketing, paid media, digital communications, and media relations. This position serves as the agency's communications expert, providing strategic guidance to internal campaign leads to ensure consistent messaging, effective communication strategies, and alignment with organizational priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
Six (6) years of related experience.
Advanced experience with computers, including in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite.
Experience designing and creating content for communications, media relations, and marketing.
Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing integrated strategic communication, public relations, or marketing plans.

Responsibilities

Creates and maintains a consistent visual brand identity and messaging framework across all agency communications and customer touchpoints.
Guides strategic communication and public relations approaches for advertising, marketing, paid media, website content, social media, digital communications, and emerging communication platforms.
Develops and oversees the agency's paid media strategy, including campaign planning, audience targeting, budget recommendations, vendor management, and performance evaluation to maximize communication effectiveness and return on investment.
Provides strategic communications and creative direction for agency campaigns by advising internal campaign leads, evaluating communication materials, identifying opportunities to elevate agency priorities, and ensuring consistent messaging, creative excellence, and brand standards across all communication channels.
Recommends and implements communication standards, planning tools, and best practices that improve collaboration, consistency, and the effectiveness of communications across the organization.
Plans, writes, edits, and oversees the development of content for internal communications, website content, social media, newsletters, annual reports, speeches, presentations, media materials, executive correspondence, and other agency communications.
Serves as the agency's primary media contact by responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews, preparing spokespersons, developing story opportunities, and representing the agency during media engagements.
Develops and maintains relationships with journalists, editors, media producers, community partners, and other influencers to increase positive media coverage and strengthen Metro Waste Authority's reputation.
Pursues strategic publicity opportunities through award submissions, conference presentations, speaking engagements, publications, and other opportunities that elevate the agency's visibility.
Evaluates communication and marketing initiatives using data, analytics, and audience insights to recommend continuous improvements and measure organizational impact.
Manages the agency website, social media platforms, digital communication tools, and associated vendor relationships to ensure an engaging, accessible, and customer-focused experience.
Identifies, evaluates, and implements innovative communication strategies, emerging technologies, tools, and best practices that strengthen creative development, improve team efficiency, enhance audience engagement, and increase communication effectiveness.
Identifies grant opportunities that support agency initiatives and coordinates grant applications, publicity, reporting requirements, and stakeholder communications in collaboration with internal departments.
Coordinates, promotes, and provides strategic communications support for agency events, public meetings, community outreach initiatives, and other organizational engagements.
Champions safe, smart, and sustainable materials management through strategic communications, public education, marketing, and public relations that strengthen Metro Waste Authority's reputation as a trusted community resource.
Demonstrates an understanding of Metro Waste Authority’s Environmental Management System (EMS). Guided by the EMS processes and procedures, we focus on six main areas aimed at increasing diversion and/or protecting the environment. These include: Recycling, Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Organics Management, Water Quality Improvement, Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Environmental Education.
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!