About the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST)

The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) is a globally recognized professional society dedicated to advancing the environmental sciences and technology. Based in the United States but with a growing international readership, IEST serves individuals working in cleanrooms, environmental testing, contamination control, and related technical disciplines. The Institute has a robust online presence with over 2,549 followers across its digital platforms and continues to expand its global reach through annual awards programs such as the James R. Mildon Award, the John Martin Outstanding New Member Award, and the President’s Award, which were presented at the recent #ESTECH26 conference to distinguished honorees Jason K., Todd Urton, Renee Buthe, and Anne Marie Dixon. IEST is currently seeking a Member Engagement & Communications Specialist to join its growing community operations team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a prestigious international society that plays a vital role in shaping standards and best practices within the environmental science and technology sector.

Role Overview

As the Member Engagement & Communications Specialist, you will serve as the primary point of contact for IEST's online community and member base. You will be responsible for crafting compelling digital content, managing social media channels, coordinating member recognition programs, and fostering meaningful connections among environmental science professionals worldwide. You will work closely with IEST's leadership team, award committees, and technical contributors to amplify the Institute's mission and ensure that every member feels valued and connected to the broader IEST community.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy across LinkedIn and other platforms to grow IEST's follower base from 2,549 to over 5,000 within the first 12 months, while maintaining an engagement rate above 4% per post.
Create, curate, and schedule a minimum of 15 original content pieces per month, including technical articles, award announcements, member spotlights, event promotions, and industry news relevant to environmental science professionals.
Manage the end-to-end coordination of IEST's annual awards program, including the James R. Mildon Award, John Martin Outstanding New Member Award, and President's Award, ensuring a seamless nomination, judging, and recognition process.
Monitor, respond to, and engage with all comments, direct messages, and mentions across IEST's social media channels within a 4-hour response window during business hours, maintaining a professional and welcoming tone consistent with IEST's brand identity.
Build and nurture relationships with IEST's active member community, including recognized professionals such as Jason K., Todd Urton, Renee Buthe, and Anne Marie Dixon, encouraging ongoing participation and content collaboration.
Coordinate with IEST's conference team to provide live social media coverage and real-time engagement during key events such as #ESTECH26 and other annual meetings, including quote graphics, attendee interviews, and session highlights.
Compile and present monthly analytics reports detailing social media performance metrics, member engagement trends, and content effectiveness, with actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
Develop and manage an email marketing campaign sequence to re-engage inactive members, targeting a minimum 15% reactivation rate per quarter through personalized outreach and relevant content delivery.
Collaborate with IEST's technical committees to translate complex environmental science topics into accessible, engaging content for a diverse audience ranging from early-career technicians to senior industry leaders.
Establish and maintain a member welcome program for new IEST members, including personalized onboarding messages, resource guides, and introductions to relevant technical communities within the Institute.

Work Environment & Culture

IEST operates in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where every team member's contribution directly impacts the advancement of environmental science and technology globally. The organization values intellectual curiosity, professional integrity, and a genuine passion for connecting people within the scientific community. You will work alongside dedicated professionals who take pride in recognizing excellence through programs like the Technical Awards and who understand that building a vibrant, engaged community is essential to the Institute's long-term success. Flexibility and autonomy are core tenets of the IEST work culture, with an emphasis on results and meaningful outcomes over rigid schedules.

Candidate Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in digital communications, social media management, or member/community engagement, preferably within a professional association, nonprofit, or scientific organization.
Proven track record of growing online communities and managing professional social media accounts with measurable results.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to adapt tone and style for diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
Familiarity with the environmental science industry, cleanroom technology, contamination control, or related technical fields is a strong advantage.
Experience coordinating awards programs, recognition initiatives, or member appreciation campaigns.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines and cross-functional collaborations.
A proactive, self-directed work style with a genuine interest in building relationships with professionals across the global scientific community.

Technical Skills & Tools

Social Media Management: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Buffer, Hootsuite, or Sprout Social
Content Creation: Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), CapCut or basic video editing tools
Email Marketing: Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar email automation platforms
Analytics: Google Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics, native platform insights
Project Management: Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira
CRM/Member Management: MemberClicks, Aptify, or similar association management systems
Collaboration: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace

Benefits & Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, benchmarked to industry standards for communications professionals.
Flexible remote work arrangement with optional periodic travel to IEST events and conferences.
Professional development budget for conferences, certifications, and continuing education relevant to communications and environmental science.
Paid time off including vacation days, sick leave, and observed public holidays.
The opportunity to work with a globally respected institute and directly contribute to advancing environmental science and technology recognition worldwide.

Career Growth

This role offers significant potential for career advancement within a growing international organization. As IEST continues to expand its global footprint and digital presence, the Member Engagement & Communications Specialist will have the opportunity to progress into senior leadership roles such as Director of Communications or Vice President of Member Experience. You will gain exposure to senior industry leaders, develop a professional network within the environmental science community, and build a portfolio of high-impact campaigns and programs that showcase your strategic communication expertise.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their experience with professional associations or community engagement, and links to or examples of social media accounts or campaigns they have managed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an initial video interview, followed by a practical assignment and a final panel interview with IEST leadership. IEST is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.