Eastern Iowa Community Engagement Coordinator

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is seeking an Eastern Iowa Community Engagement Coordinator to build and deepen connections in the Eastern Iowa region. This full-time role involves forging partnerships, engaging with donors, and providing outreach and educational programs. The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication skills, a bachelor's degree, and a commitment to INHF’s conservation mission. The position offers a salary range of $52,000-$68,000 and requires regional travel.

Qualifications

• Interest in nonprofit work and alignment with INHF's mission.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in and out of the office.
• Self-starter comfortable representing INHF in business and social settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic partnerships with government and non-profit groups.
• Engage with donors and plan next steps in relationships.
• Present educational programs to professional groups on INHF’s work.

Skills

Excellent listening skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Experience with donor databases (preferably Salesforce NPSP)

Public speaking

Team-centered and collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce NPSP

Job description

Eastern Iowa Community Engagement Coordinator

The Eastern Iowa Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for representing Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in the Eastern Iowa region, developing partner and community relationships, and building giving. This person is quick to make connections with peers and strangers alike, delights in communal conservation successes, balances listening with action, loves Iowa nature, has impeccable follow-through, is an articulate communicator, and is dedicated to INHF’s mission of protecting and restoring Iowa’s land, water and wildlife.

Job Description

Standard

Relationship Building & Tending (50%)

• Develops strategic regional partnerships with government and non‑profit conservation groups, regional watershed and county conservation organizations, and media contacts.
• Works with development team to arrange visits with donors, complete visits personally, and plan next steps in the relationships.
• Represents INHF at partner and community events.
• Partners with INHF staff to design meaningful opportunities to engage with donors and the general public in Eastern Iowa.
• Responds to requests for information.
• Completes file notes and moves management tasks.
• Regular, personal contact with individual donors.
• Donors are motivated by your interaction to take the next step.
• Interactions are timely, generate interest, and are followed through.
• Existing and new donors are furthering INHF’s mission through meaningful gifts.
• Engagement opportunities result in new contacts and further deepen existing relationships.
• File notes completed within 48 hours.

Gift Procurement (25%)

• Develops relationships with foundations to invigorate annual giving and take advantage of grant opportunities.
• Researches and pursues options for corporate engagement through annual gifts and grants.
• Works with Director of Philanthropy, Major Gifts Officer and President to coordinate one‑on‑one asks for giving to current campaigns for INHF projects and programs.
• Existing relationships are strengthened, resulting in increased financial support.
• INHF’s portfolio of actively donating foundations and corporations grows.
• Fundraising is a coordinated and collaborative effort with INHF team members.

Outreach & Education (20%)

• Presents educational programs to professional groups (lawyers, bankers, financial planners, etc.) on INHF’s work and protection options.
• Tables and/or presents at appropriate regional events and regional community groups to share INHF information with the public.
• Supports INHF‑led volunteer engagement efforts and assists volunteer coordinator with volunteer recruitment and event promotion.
• Professionally represents INHF’s mission, programs and projects.
• Multiple presentations done statewide.
• Table displays and presentations are current, inspirational and result in additional contacts or gifts.
• Is a regular presence at INHF‑led volunteer events.

Professional Development, Administration & Team Support (5%)

• Participates in appropriate professional development training to keep current on fundraising techniques and opportunities.
• Participates in strategic peer groups for networking and educational purposes.
• Shares information with other staff.
• Participates in team, staff and board meetings.
• On‑going.
• A strong sense of working as a team to accomplish a larger goal.
• Attends most meetings.
• Is an active collaborator.

This full‑time, exempt position typically involves 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, based out of your home office with frequent regional and occasional statewide travel. You will deepen existing and build new relationships in Eastern Iowa, with special focus on the region that encompasses the major metro areas of Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the Quad Cities. This role is key for the development of programmatic partnerships, including being in touch, noticing opportunities for mutual efforts, and sharing opportunities for support or partnership for INHF efforts. While working very independently, this position keeps in close communication with several key staff across our Development, Communications, Land Stewardship, Community Conservation and Volunteer programs to strategize, coordinate priorities and share relationship information to implement INHF’s strategic plan. You will report to the Director of Philanthropy.

The salary range for this position is \$52,000-\$68,000.

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Interest in nonprofit work, and personal alignment with INHF’s mission. Demonstrated ability to work well with others, in and out of the office. Comfort being a self‑starter and representing INHF in business and social settings. Familiarity with giving tools and techniques.

Skills

Friendly demeanor, personable, excellent listening skills. Team‑centered and energized by collaboration. Impressive verbal and written communication skills and comfort in public speaking. Proficient in donor database use (preferably Salesforce NPSP) and Microsoft Office.

Equal Opportunity Statement

INHF is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

505 Fifth Ave., Suite 444
Des Moines, IA 50309-2321

Make a lasting impact to protect Iowa's wild places and pass forward a healthy, beautiful Iowa for future generations.