Communication Specialist II

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

8d

About The Position

Iowa State University’s College of Design is seeking a Communications Specialist II to play a key role in promoting the college and its initiatives. This position will work closely with the Director of Strategic Communications to plan and execute communications and marketing projects that enhance the college’s visibility and reputation. This is a writing-intensive role requiring the development of various content to engage a variety of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and the broader community. The Communications Specialist II will collaborate with academic leadership, staff and faculty across the college’s seven departments and work alongside the marketing and enrollment strategy team to deliver high-quality communications that align with strategic priorities. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and able to plan and manage multiple projects and priorities, working independently as well as with various internal and external stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, including interpersonal skills, are essential, along with effective time management.

At Iowa State University’s College of Design, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of care—toward ourselves, our communities and the environment—through art, planning and design. As one of the nation’s most comprehensive art and design institutions, we educate approximately 2,000 undergraduate and 160 graduate students across 11 undergraduate majors, 11 minors and multiple graduate programs. Filled with creativity, energy and enthusiasm, we are a close-knit community where meaningful collaboration thrives.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field
• Experience planning and producing content across multiple platforms, including print publications, electronic newsletters, social media, podcasts, websites, and video
• Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders in a corporate, higher education, or comparable organizational setting
• Demonstrated ability to follow brand standards and editorial/style guidelines
• Proven ability to deliver creative, compelling content with a strong emphasis on writing, effective interviewing, and impactful storytelling

Responsibilities

• Develop creative content that tells engaging stories about students, faculty, staff, alumni, events, projects, research and college initiatives.
• Research, interview and gather information to create news and feature articles, news releases, reports, social media posts, calendar entries and other print and digital communications materials.
• Assist in the creation and editing of video content to showcase college programs, events and initiatives.
• Create, update and maintain college web content within the established framework.
• Develop and produce audience-focused, platform-specific social media content for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube in support of the college’s overall communications strategy.
• Develop and distribute internal weekly faculty-staff e-newsletter, ensuring accurate collection, verification, editing and formatting of information.
• Plan and implement short- and long-term projects in collaboration with colleagues in recruitment, development and alumni relations, offering creative solutions to achieve project goals and engage target audiences.

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees