Communications Associate
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General Description
Agency Overview
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL (SWALCO, or the Agency) is a municipal joint action agency that was established in 1991 as a unit of local government to manage the region’s waste stream. The Agency is comprised of 43 Member communities, principally located in Lake County. Agency membership and information is available at www.swalco.org.
SWALCO has been a leader in waste management for the past 30 years, with a focus on reducing the volume and toxicity of solid waste through responsible waste reduction solutions and providing environmentally sound transfer and disposal of waste that is not diverted from disposal. The Agency achieves this by providing robust services to its Members and their residents, including:
- Operating special collection programs to divert items from disposal or provide for proper management of materials, including electronics recycling, household chemical disposal, textile and shoe recycling, special material recycling.
- Serving as an educational resource across its membership and the region through a wide variety of school and community programs and workshops, website resources, social media postings, and print collateral to educate about safe disposal and the benefits of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and buying recycled and
- Participating in professional organizations and serving on regional and state waste management committees, maintaining relationships with peer organizations and local governments to unify and collaborate on waste reduction efforts.
Nature of Work
The Communications Associate position will develop and execute print and digital graphics, messaging, and digital communication on behalf of the Agency, including through its website, newsletters, digital and print materials, and social media platforms. The ideal candidate will be experienced in various graphic design and layout applications, website design and maintenance, and social media planning and engagement. They will also be knowledgeable in the areas of community based social marketing and communications. Prior experience and knowledge of solid waste and recycling content areas is not required, but candidates will be expected to acquire content knowledge while working in this position and should have an interest in topics related to the environment and sustainability.
Work is performed under the direction of the Executive Director. The Executive Director will be the primary contact and will lead performance reviews and feedback sessions as necessary to support development and comply with program requirements.
Essential Functions
Position Responsibilities
The Communications Associate shall perform the following tasks, as may be modified from time to time based on the needs of the Agency:
- Manage and maintain the Agency’s website, including content updates, design, and periodic changes due to hosting software changes.
- Prepare and distribute periodic email newsletters, including developing layout and working with Agency staff to identify and prepare content the Agency currently distributes three monthly newsletters to residents, educators, and its Board of Directors.
- Prepare print and digital brochures, guides, one-pagers, and other collateral to support education, outreach, and awareness of waste reduction, recycling, and proper waste disposal practices.
- Engage the public through social media posts, including developing content and campaigns and tracking and reporting on engagement levels.
- Assist Agency staff in preparing publications and reports, including graphics and layout support.
- Organize and maintain the Agency’s graphics files.
- Research, plan, and assist in the implementation of new or modified engagement channels to increase uptake of information at the school/student and community/resident levels, including applying community-based social marketing principles and practices.
- Assist other staff members in planning and designing exhibits, materials, and engagement techniques for various formats of educational and outreach presentations and events.
- Other duties as deemed necessary by the Executive Director and/or as possible to support objectives and outcomes.
Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required
The ideal candidate will possess the following minimum qualifications:
- Progressing towards a bachelor’s or advanced degree in communications, marketing, graphic design, or a related field
- Proficient in the use of computer software programs and platforms supporting general office functions (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe)
- Proficient in the use of software and platforms supporting graphic design and communications functions (e.g., graphics and layout programs Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ConstantContact, etc.)
- Education in web design and programming
- Ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner to a range of audiences with written and visual materials, including residents, staff from Member communities, and elected officials.
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively with Agency staff to plan, design, and implement Agency messaging and communications.
- Ability to organize and administer a range of tasks concurrently, including prioritizing and communicating schedules and meeting deadlines.
Supplemental Information
- Schedule: Part-time, 15-20 hours per week upon hiring additional hours may be offered in certain weeks based on the needs of the Agency. Primarily weekday, daytime hours with the flexibility to work remotely after the probation period.
- Hourly Rate: $24/hour.
- Benefits: None currently.
- Work location: Hybrid in-person at SWALCO office in Gurnee, Illinois desired at least two days per week, with additional work able to be performed remotely.
