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Community Engagement Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

University of Iowa

Engagement Coordinator

Iowa City, IA · On-site

Plan and implement internal IMU programs that build community, support student success, and connect ... Identify engagement opportunities - Proactively seek and pursue opportunities to introduce partners ...

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How much do community engagement jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for community engagement in Iowa is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is community engagement?

Community engagement refers to the process of working collaboratively with community members, groups, or organizations to address issues that impact their well-being. Professionals in community engagement facilitate communication, foster partnerships, and help implement programs or initiatives that benefit the community. Their work often involves organizing events, gathering feedback, and ensuring that the voices of local residents are heard in decision-making processes. The goal is to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create positive change within the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community engagement professional?

To thrive as a Community Engagement professional, you need strong communication, relationship-building, and project management skills, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM systems, social media platforms, and event management tools is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability are vital for connecting with diverse groups and fostering trust. These abilities are essential for building lasting community partnerships, driving participation, and achieving organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in community engagement roles, and how can they be addressed?

Community Engagement professionals often encounter challenges such as building trust with diverse stakeholders, managing conflicting interests, and sustaining long-term participation. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. Regularly soliciting feedback, being transparent about goals, and fostering inclusive environments help build lasting relationships. Collaborating closely with internal teams and external partners also ensures alignment and maximizes impact.

What is the difference between Community Engagement vs Community Outreach?

AspectCommunity EngagementCommunity Outreach
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in social sciences, communications, or related fieldsSimilar educational background, often with additional certifications in outreach or public relations
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, involving ongoing relationships with community membersEvent-focused, involving organizing and attending outreach activities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations for building relationshipsCommon in nonprofit and public sectors for promoting programs and services

Community Engagement and Community Outreach are related roles that focus on connecting organizations with communities. Engagement emphasizes building long-term relationships and active participation, while Outreach centers on promoting programs through events and campaigns. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and are vital in community-focused organizations, but they differ in approach and daily activities.

What is a community engagement worker?

A community engagement worker is a professional who builds relationships between organizations and local communities to promote participation and support. They often organize events, facilitate communication, and work with diverse groups to address community needs, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills. The role may involve working in various settings such as non-profits, government agencies, or healthcare organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Engagement jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Community Engagement jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Community Engagement jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Engagement jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Community Engagement jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Community Engagement job openings:

Community Engagement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Engagement job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,400 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

City of Bettendorf, IA

Bettendorf, IA • On-site

$29.84 - $43.45/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
GENERAL SUMMARY
Working under the supervision of the Community Engagement Manager, within the Economic Development Department, the purpose of this position is to perform professional and skilled technical work to support Community Engagement efforts for the City of Bettendorf.
This position is responsible for planning, capturing, and producing high-quality photography, videography, livestreams, and drone imagery that enhance the communication, documentation, and promotional needs of the City of Bettendorf.
This position is responsible for transporting, setting up, and operating portable video, photography, and audio equipment, as well as troubleshooting and coordinating maintenance of equipment.
The Community Engagement Specialist performs at a professional staff level to research projects and initiatives from development to design to implementation, and analysis of results. Work includes the creative development of new ideas to promote the City of Bettendorf's brand, as well as participation in special events and activities.
The Community Engagement Specialist will be a steward of the City's brand, which will engage constituents to be positive consumers of City services and strong advocates for the City of Bettendorf. Under the supervision of the Community Engagement Manager, this position provides support to the City's Department Heads and staff, in order to provide a centralized approach to all City communications, with consistent and intentional workflows.
AREA OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
  • Administers video and photo production activities by coordinating location, talent, voiceovers, script writing, and music requirements (if necessary).
  • Conducts field-based and high-quality video and photo production by utilizing a variety of equipment, such as professional camera, video camera, drone, phone camera/video, to collect content for various digital platforms and communications campaigns.
  • Transports, sets up, and operates all equipment, and participates in educational opportunities to learn techniques and skills.
  • Troubleshoots and coordinates maintenance of equipment to ensure tools are tested, software is updated, and parts are ordered/installed (if necessary) before production activities.
  • When applicable, the Community Engagement Specialist will provide livestreaming of meetings and events where it benefits the City and the City Council.
  • When applicable, the Community Engagement Specialist will provide digital/technical support to meetings and events where it benefits the City and City Council.
  • Responsible for providing City Departments with research and development initiatives, relative to the City's history, culture, and other milestones.
  • Works to assist all City Departments with the preparation of communications and materials, as well as the preparation and planning of identified City Events.
  • Under the direction of the Community Engagement Manager, assumes a support role for Citywide special events, including but not limited to such events as: Citizen Academy, State of the City, 4th of July, Festival of Trees Parade, 'Tis the Season, United Way Campaign, City Hall-o-ween, XStream Cleanups, QC Arts Sculpture Program, Be Downtown, etc.
  • Stays current with digital media trends and provides general support and advice on best practices and social media platforms that can best enhance individual departmental goals.

Administration and Financial
  • Working with the Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Director and the Community Engagement Manager, the Community Engagement Specialist researches, recommends, and implements annual funding strategies and options congruent and supportive of the programmatic and service delivery needs of the Community Engagement Team.
  • In tandem with the Community Engagement Team, the Community Engagement Specialist develops short-term and long-range communications plans for the City, reflective of the strategic plan and based on identified outcomes.
  • Attends public meetings as required. Coordinates video productions and recordings of public meetings, employee trainings, and other meetings as assigned.

Personnel Management and Interpersonal Relations
  • Works effectively with and across the City spectrum including staff, volunteers, board members, and commissioners.
  • Responsible for supporting the strategic communications goals, based on established performance indicators, and handles all assignments with fiscal responsibility.

Other
  • Serves on City teams and supports departmental planning when necessary to help achieve positive and high-level outcomes.
  • This position must be malleable and assist City Departments to cultivate a staff that is dually malleable, in order to adapt to the ever-changing digital media landscape. The intent is to create a positive and cohesive City organization, which best meets the expectations of the City's constituents.
  • Other related job duties as assigned.

Requirements
Education
Requires an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in photography, digital photography, videography, film production, media production, digital media production, visual communications, multimedia studies, communication studies, journalism/photojournalism, motion graphics, broadcasting/media technology, creative arts, or related field.
Experience and Qualifications
  • Minimum of two years of combined experience in photography and videography production.
  • Has a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA or ability to obtain certification by time of hire.
  • Knowledge and experience with both Mac and PC based operating systems, and computer skills at an advanced level.
  • Extensive experience with photography.
  • Extensive experience with videography.
  • Certified with drone imagery.
  • Thorough understanding of digital media and technology.
  • Extensive experience with social media messaging and content production.
  • Excellent copywriting and editing skills.
  • Ability to deliver creative content (text, video, image) and direct and instruct staff members to do the same.
  • Experience working with the media and good public relations skills.
  • Must think strategically, creatively, and purposefully while managing multiple tasks and projects.
  • Ability to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of media coverage and digital media messaging, in order to create and adapt to consumer trends.
  • Experience in development of communication plans.
  • Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to think strategically and globally with organizational goals in mind and with minimal supervision, while effectively managing day-to-day communications with an attention to detail.
  • Position requires the possession of a valid driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Interpersonal Skills
Must possess considerable knowledge of back-of-house functions of a dynamic organization centered on public service. Requires excellent skills in: oral communication and presentations, including one-on-one, small, and large group settings; and written communication skills. Strongly self-motivated and disciplined to work with minimal supervision. Able to coordinate with and motivate team members. Exemplary skill in establishing and maintaining positive and effective working relations with City officials and employees, community leaders, and constituents. A service-oriented philosophy and firm belief in the City's brand is essential. Multitasking ability is paramount.
Analytical Ability
Requires acute attention to detail and the ability to successfully manage numerous varied tasks simultaneously. Evidence of ability to organize time and work and set attainable and measurable goals and objectives. Ability to problem-solve quickly. Must possess initiative to identify opportunities and use independent thinking skills to propose creative outcomes and solutions.
Working Conditions
Work is conducted primarily in an office and public space environment including municipal buildings, public parks, and other venues where public activity is occurring. Occasional exposure to excessive noise. Evening and weekend work will be necessary to accommodate the activities associated with the duties of this position. Will be required to assist with emergency situations that could potentially arise, due to the nature of municipal work.
Physical Requirements
Occasional moderate physical efforts such as lifting up to 40 pounds, including but not limited to tables, chairs, props, and materials; sitting, standing, and stooping can be expected in this position. Going on location to gather video content or images will be required.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Director under the supervision of the Community Engagement Manager
Supervises: Position does not supervise any employees

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