Communication Specialist II

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Office of Innovation Commercialization are hiring for a shared Communication Specialist II to support internal and external communications initiatives. This position will develop and implement a statewide communications strategy that promotes Iowa SBDC programs and OIC while ensuring consistent messaging across websites, print materials, social media, and regional center communications. This is a partially shared position, with 75% of effort dedicated to Iowa SBDC and 25% to the Iowa State Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC). The Iowa SBDC Lead Center, hosted by Iowa State University, serves as the hub of America’s SBDC Iowa statewide network dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Located in Ames, Iowa, the Lead Center is connected to ISU’s Ivy College of Business and plays a central role in coordinating resources, training, and support across Iowa’s regional SBDC centers. OIC houses The ISU Research Foundation (ISURF) and Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (OIPTT), which work in concert to facilitate and enhance the inventive and creative works of ISU’s employees and students, and to transfer these works for the benefit of society.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing and creating content for social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Knowledge of marketing principles, including audience engagement, branding, and digital outreach strategies
Proficiency in design and productivity software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Experience supporting outreach efforts, including event promotion, community engagement, or communications campaigns
Experience delivering presentations to audiences in professional, academic, or community settings

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a statewide communications strategy promoting Iowa SBDC programs, client outcomes, and measurable impact.
Manage brand standards and ensure consistent messaging across website, print, social media, and regional center materials.
Lead planning, writing, editing, design coordination, and publication of annual reports and other strategic publications.
Develop marketing and communications materials using Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva to support statewide initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
Create and distribute marketing templates, brand assets, and communication toolkits for regional SBDC centers.
Coordinate messaging and media collaboration with ISU Communications and EDIR to align university an organization priorities.
Identify and develop client success stories and impact narratives to support legislative, stakeholder, and partner engagement efforts.
Manage and update Iowa SBDC website content to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with program priorities.
Develop, schedule, and publish digital newsletters and social media content to increase statewide engagement and visibility.
Serve as primary media contact for statewide SBDC initiatives and programs.