Marketing and Communications Professional

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is seeking an experienced Marketing and Communications Professional (Communications Specialist III) to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that advances the center's mission and expands its impact. The center operates in a dynamic environment, collaborating with university faculty and staff, external organizations, entrepreneurs, small businesses, professional service providers, alumni, and community stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to independently develop and implement integrated marketing campaigns, leverage social media and digital communications to recruit participants, promote programs, highlight organizational impact, and lead cross-functional initiatives from concept to execution. The ideal candidate will also possess strong analytical skills, with experience tracking, interpreting, and communicating program metrics and outcomes to a variety of audiences. Exceptional writing and editing skills are essential for creating compelling print and digital content that aligns with the center's mission and strategic priorities. The award-winning Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship works within and outside the university to provide education, training, experiences, and support to potential or new entrepreneurs. Stakeholders include students, faculty and staff, community members, partners, economic development colleagues, legislators, and alumni. As the center prepares for its planned relocation from the Iowa State University Research Park to a new campus location, this position will play a key leadership role in developing and executing branding, awareness, and communications campaigns that supports the transition, increases visibility, and strengthens engagement with existing and new audiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 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

Proven professional marketing and communication skills, with experience engaging clients, news media, stakeholders, program partners, families, prospective students, or community members.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience creating media releases, web content, marketing materials, award nominations, and feature articles for digital and print publications.
Experience reviewing marketing analytics used to drive marketing strategy.
Strong outreach and relationship-building experience, confidently representing programs and sharing information with various audiences.
Highly organized, with expertise in compiling, tracking, and archiving program metrics, client stories, awards, accomplishments, and participant data.
Familiarity working in university and entrepreneurial environments.

Responsibilities

Provide functional leadership for the marketing and communications team, including supervising and mentoring student interns.
Train staff in marketing and communications best practices while overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of marketing initiatives.
Collaborate with the center's program directors to gather, develop, and promote program information, achievements, and success stories.
Lead outreach efforts to increase awareness, expand audience engagement, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and connect with alumni, supporters, prospective students, and community partners.
Oversee the creation and distribution of digital newsletters, website content, social media communications, and the center's annual printed impact report.
Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that support the center's strategic priorities and demonstrates impact
Create and manage print and digital communications, including marketing materials, feature stories, news releases, and promotional content.
Serve as the primary liaison between the center and the university's strategic marketing team, college communications partners, the university foundation, and news media to ensure consistent messaging and effective collaboration.