Job Summary: Keep Iowa Beautiful and its partner communities are seeking an experienced community development professional to serve as the Community Coach for the Hometown Pride program in northwest Iowa. The Hometown Pride Coach will work with local leaders to establish and support a Hometown Pride program in 11 participating towns (clustered in and around Buena Vista County). The “coach” provides long-term strategic direction and support to each town, empowering local volunteers to complete community betterment projects that will: cultivate local leadership, enhance community amenities, foster civic pride, and boost economic vitality.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator who is passionate about the success of small towns and able to build consensus among varied stakeholders.

About Hometown Pride: Established in 2012 by Keep Iowa Beautiful, Hometown Pride is a proven initiative to strengthen Iowa’s small towns and has been implemented in more than 100 communities. For details and success stories, visit: https://keepiowabeautiful.org/programming/hometown-pride/

Duties:

• Work with local leaders and residents to establish and sustain a successful Hometown Pride program in each community
• Assist each town in creating a Hometown Pride committee (made up of local volunteers) and provide on-going guidance and oversight to each committee:
  • Help committee establish a clear action plan and ensure they make consistent progress 
  • Empower volunteers to complete community betterment projects and develop leadership skills
  • Research and identify resources, best practices, and funding to implement projects
  • Equip volunteers with knowledge and skills to fundraise and apply for grants
  • Attend regular committee meetings to advise and encourage volunteers
  • Assist with volunteer recruitment and train volunteers to effectually fill leadership roles 
  • Ensure committee follows best practices for organizational and financial management
• Work with local leaders to assess existing community-wide plans and develop an action plan to help implement community plans through the Hometown Pride program.
• Oversee coordination between Hometown Pride committees and local/regional organizations, supporting a collaborative approach to community betterment.
• Serve as a regional spokesperson and advocate for the program; publicize program accomplishments.
• Regularly update Keep Iowa Beautiful on program outcomes.
• Additional duties, based on community need, may be added at the coach’s discretion.

Qualifications:

Required Experience and Competencies:

• 5+ years of experience in community development, economic development, community organizing, city planning, public administration, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to travel regularly to participating towns (must provide own transportation).
  • The communities are clustered in/around Buena Vista County: Albert City, Alta, Aurelia, Lake Park, Lakeside, Marathon, Newell, Rembrandt, Royal, Sioux Rapids and Storm Lake
• Proven ability to facilitate cooperation and collaboration among a variety of stakeholders
• Demonstrated success of effectively leading change in a community and/or organization
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including strong listening skills
• Basic computer proficiency – ability to use Microsoft office, email, and social media
• Must be highly self-motivated, with the ability to inspire and motivate others

Preferred Experience and Competencies:

• Master’s Degree and/or 10+ years of experience in community development, economic development, community organizing, city planning, public administration, or related field

• Experience with:
  • managing volunteers
  • funding and accomplishing community betterment projects
  • working with local government and community organizations
  • grant writing

Position Details:

• Contractor: This position is hired as a contractor by Keep Iowa Beautiful, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.   
• 28 hours per week for 48 weeks per year
• $68,000 per year
• This is a 5-year position. Contract will be reviewed annually.
• Regular travel to 11 partner communities is required (must provide own transportation).
• Relocation is not required

Application Process: Submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience and interest. Submit to nwiahometownpride@gmail.com and put “Hometown Pride Coach” in the subject line.

Questions can be directed to Lorin Ditzler at 515-398-0772 or LDitzler@keepiowabeautiful.com