Education and Outreach Coordinator

SAUK RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICT 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

JOB CLASSIFICATION:    Technical Specialist 2

POSITION TITLE:              Education and Public Outreach Coordinator

REPORTS TO:                     District Administrator

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

Responsible for creating, distributing, coordinating, and presenting environmental education materials to youth, adults and the overall general public. Responsible for coordinating public relations functions of the District and ensuring that all education and public relations activities are coordinated and performed in a manner consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies approved by the Board of Managers. 

MAJOR/ESSSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Education and Public Outreach Coordinator will:

1. Determine education programs to meet the yearly and overall goals of the District as determined in the Sauk River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. Research environmental education curriculum, projects, and programs. Develop youth education based on demands, goals, and available funds. Develop adult education based on demands, goals, and available funds. Develop board and staff training based on demands, goals, and funds available. Attend continuing education workshops, programs, and activities. Plan, purchase and keep stock of necessary materials for all education programs. Work with the schools, organizations, and the general public to plan and develop education programs. Responsible for all aspects of planning, developing, and overseeing of Water festivals throughout the District. Recommend and guide District annual educational programming. Advise District Administrator and Board of Managers regarding management of educational programming.

1. Present and distribute education materials to intended audience (youth and adult). Implement projects and programs to specification and within timescales. Educate youth and adults about water quality and quantity issues.  Work with lake associations and local organizations on developing water quality efforts and projects.  Responsible for implementation of Water festivals throughout the District. Manage youth education implementation for District. Represent environmentally sound choices and decisions through youth education programs and projects. Manage adult education implementation for District. Implement Board of Managers and District Staff training and continued education.

1. Report to District Administrator and Board of Managers on all aspects of the education program. Develop written and oral reports for District as well as project areas, and specific projects. Fully document education program events, income, and expenses. Review and analyze yearly education events within the District to meet Sauk River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan requirements.

1. Pursue possible funding sources for education programs, i.e. grants, donations, partner funding. Provide input and technical support for education aspects of all grants. Receive, review, and propose to the Board of Managers action on educational funding requests by outside entities.

1. Report on public relations program to District Administrator and Board of Managers. Report any potential problems and conflicts perceived by the public regarding the District. Review and report on the functioning of the overall public relations program. Improve, maintain and update website by coordinating contributions from staff as needed.  Maintain and update District social media accounts such as Facebook, Linked-In etc. to engage the public and provide information on water resource management, conservation efforts and District activities. Work in conjunction with SRWD staff to publicize, post, and notify the public of meetings and events. 

1. Attend general public information meetings as requested to present information or respond to questions.  Attend relevant public meetings, events, and outreach opportunities as requested to present information or respond to questions. Schedule, develop, and plan District public meetings and events under the direction of the Administrator. Publicize, post, and notify all parties of public meetings and events. Work with the Administrator and Board of Managers to develop and strengthen District public relations with the private and public sector. Create presentations and speeches for the Administrator, District staff and Board of Managers for public meetings and events. Conduct site and project tours and overall District tours. Assist the Administrator and Board of Managers in developing and strengthening media contacts and partnerships.

1. Assist the Administrator and Board of Managers in planning and developing annual and overall District public relations plans. Develop goals and work plan for public relations program in accordance with annual and District Overall Plan for review and approval of the Administrator and Board of Managers. Provide public relations support to promote and publicize District via web site and other media sources. Plan and develop District’s message via brochures and various other publications. Plan and develop District’s Annual report. Plan and develop any publications for partners or sponsors that support the District’s mission and goals.

1. Provide support regarding educational or public relations issues to District staff. Work with all staff on outreach and educational aspects of projects and programs. Provide technical support and input to staff members. Provide technical support and input to the Administrator and Board of Managers

1. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the District Managers, the District Administrator, or are apparent as being under the purview of this position.

1. Recruit, coordinate, organize and manage volunteers and groups of volunteers for education and outreach programs and events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-secondary degree, Bachelor’s Degree preferred, in education, mass communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, environmental studies or a related field.  Three years experience preferred in education, marketing, communications, environmental resources or a related field.  Prior experience in public sector and water quality/environmental area preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Excellent ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
2. Computer literacy in applicable programs
3. Demonstrated skills in desktop publishing, marketing, and publications
4. Demonstrated skills in preparation and delivery of public presentations
5. Broad knowledge of public relations, communications, education and marketing principles
6. Strong ability to develop and initiate programs, plan, and procedures
7. Ability to establish effective working relationships with educational institutes and teachers 
8. Ability to establish strong relationships with media contacts
9. Ability to establish working relationships with project partners and public interests
10. Knowledge and understanding of applicable District rules and regulations and the ability  to convey them to the public
11. Ability to research, analyze, and develop educational plans, programs, and projects
12. Ability to promote the public relations of the District to various entities
13. Strong ability to work independently and plan, organize, and prioritize programs and events
14. Ability to attend training and expand current knowledge base
15. Strong ability to educate and work with all age groups in a variety of working environments
16. Ability to cope with conflicting demands and prioritize tasks
17. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, work independently and in team settings.
18. Excellent interpersonal skills
19. Ability to adapt to changing situations throughout the public sector
20. Knowledge of and ability to design and develop multiple education programs within a budget and timeline 
21. Familiarity with marketing and educational software
22. Must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license and have a vehicle available for periodic business use on a mileage reimbursement basis.  The vehicle must have insurance approved by the District and meets the requirements of the State of Minnesota.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES:

None, unless otherwise assigned. 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC CONTACT:

This position requires a high level of public contact requiring tact, courtesy and good judgment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

Position requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive action operating computer equipment. Position involves occasional lifting up to 70lbs. Position involves working in varied terrain and weather conditions. Position involves withstanding water pressure of high flowing water.  Position requires adapting and adjusting to rapidly changing situations. Position requires representing the decisions, actions, and best interests of the District in a variety of demanding circumstances. Position requires planning and prioritizing on limited funding and within a short timeframe. Position requires setting work priorities and organizing work while remaining flexible and patient. Position requires multi-tasking in a fast-paced, high stress environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal shift, eight-hour days, 5 days a week with occasional weekends and evenings as necessary to accommodate the events and programing.  The majority of work is performed under normal office or classroom conditions.  Position requires travel to meetings/events out of the office and various sites within the District. Occasional outdoor classroom settings, including exposure to elements through all seasons. Regular exposure to extreme temps, dirt, and dust. Position includes exposure to working with adverse weather conditions and varied terrain and water pressure.

This description describes the general nature and work expected of an individual assigned to this position.  Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.