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 Hamilton County. The Community Coach will work with local leaders to establish and support a Hometown Pride program in 9 participating towns in Hamilton 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, boost economic vitality and build community partnerships.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A skilled communicator who can build consensus among varied stakeholders
• Passionate and knowledgeable about community development in small towns
• Comfortable managing volunteers

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 all 9 participating towns in Hamilton County (must provide own transportation)
• 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
• Enthusiasm for working with volunteers and working in small towns
• 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, including familiarity with state and regional funding options

Position Details:

• Contractor: This position is hired as a contractor by Keep Iowa Beautiful, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.   
• 24-28 hours per week for 48 weeks per year
• $68,000 per year
• This is a 5-year position. Contract will be reviewed annually.
• Frequent travel to 9 partner communities is required (must provide own transportation and cover own transportation costs).
• The selected contractor is NOT required to relocate to Hamilton County

Application Process: Submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience and interest. Submit to Lditzler@keepiowabeautiful.com and put “Hamilton County Hometown Pride Coach” in the subject line. Position will be open until filled.

Questions can be directed to Lorin Ditzler at Lditzler@keepiowabeautiful.com.