Strategic Internal Communications Manager

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

8d

About The Position

University Marketing and Communications, the central communications and marketing unit at Iowa State, is looking for an experienced communications professional (Communications Specialist III) who excels in communications for internal audiences across various platforms and channels. The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding writing, editing, and communication abilities coupled with a strong sense of professionalism, collaboration, and organization. Leadership skills are essential, along with the capacity for strategic internal communications planning and execution. This role requires someone who can work independently, make informed decisions, effectively manage time, and contribute to a team environment.
In this senior communications role, you'll have the opportunity to lead strategic internal communication efforts aimed primarily at Iowa State's faculty and staff employees. Your leadership will be essential in ensuring that internal communications align with and support the university’s priorities, mission and values. You'll be joining a highly collaborative team that supports the university’s mission through storytelling, effective messaging and alignment with the university's master brand strategy focused on innovation.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations or related field
• Experience leading and/or contributing to project management, including collaborating with contributors without direct reporting authority
• Experience developing and/or implementing a strategic communications plan
• Experience in developing content to build high levels of trust, drive employee engagement and contribute to a positive workplace culture
• Experience providing communication guidance for senior leaders
• Hands-on experience with email platforms and other systems for deploying content and tracking metrics
• Prior experience supervising employees

Responsibilities

• Support development and execution of internal communications strategy
• Build out university-wide internal communications planning and operations
• Manage production of Inside Iowa State, the flagship faculty-staff communication
• Develop content to ensure university employees are well-informed and clearly understand institutional priorities and decisions
• Measure outcomes encompassing shifts in organizational culture and behavior
• Collaborate with and advise campus communicators on internal communications strategies and coordination
• Generating content that uplifts university priorities and brand
• Supporting campus units with internal communication priorities and needs
• Leading team projects in support of strategic initiatives
• Provide consultation for communication and marketing professionals across campus
• Coordinating visual elements (photography, video, etc.) to support stories
• Reviewing, proofreading and fact-checking content

Benefits

• 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: Senior