Communications Specialist III

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

17d

About The Position

The Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation (CALT) is seeking a Communication Specialist III to lead and support a variety of communication initiatives across the organization. CALT provides timely, research-based information to producers, agricultural professionals, and agribusinesses on emerging issues in agricultural law and taxation. The center also serves as a leading provider of professional educational programming, including courses, workbooks, webinars, and other resources used by stakeholders nationwide. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled designer with a strong eye for visual communication and branding. This role requires expertise in creating visually engaging graphics, layouts, and materials that effectively represent complex topics to various audiences. Individuals who enjoy translating information into compelling visual designs, supporting professional education initiatives, and strengthening organizational branding will thrive in this position. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple design projects independently are essential for success. This role offers the opportunity to be a key player in shaping CALT’s communications and outreach efforts. You will have autonomy and creative freedom to design materials, develop messaging, and contribute to strategic projects that impact agricultural tax practitioners and producers across the country. In this position, you will help launch a brand-new program over a two-year intensive project, designing promotional materials, logos, branding, and educational materials that will directly support tax planning and training for agricultural producers. If you enjoy combining strategic communications with hands-on design and outreach, this role offers both the challenge and the opportunity to make a meaningful, visible impact. Although this is a term position, it is expected to offer long-term opportunity, with the option for renewal. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or a related field.
Experience developing and implementing strategic communication plans for a complex organization or multi-stakeholder environment.
Experience contributing to communication policy development, branding guidelines, or institutional messaging, including compliance with digital accessibility requirements.
Advanced proficiency with graphic design and visual communication tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Experience managing websites, digital content, and communication workflows to support organizational goals.
Experience supporting professional education, outreach programming, or public-facing training materials.

Responsibilities

Lead and support internal and external communications projects, including managing website and intranet content, coordinating media relations, and drafting press releases.
Conduct research and analysis to develop clear, accurate, and engaging presentations, scripts, and speeches for leadership.
Assist in the design and development of educational course materials, including workbooks, webinars, and related resources.
Contribute to the development and refinement of institutional communication policies and practices.
Support the implementation of CALT’s strategic communications program by developing and maintaining policies and practices that strengthen the center’s brand and ensure positive, consistent representation to the media, public, and key stakeholders.
Design original graphics for use in educational materials, outreach publications, presentations, and digital platforms.

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
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.