Job Information
Iowa State University Communications Specialist I in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Communications Specialist I
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in communications or agriculture-related field
Experience with proofreading and editing
Experience with writing news releases, interviewing subjects, and/or feature writing
Experience with using AP and/or Chicago Manual of Style guidelines
Experience managing multiple social media platforms
Job Description:
Do you enjoy telling stories and showcasing real-life impacts? Would you enjoy a role that keeps you engaged and informed?
If so, the communications team with Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University is currently seeking applicants for a Communications Specialist I!
The ANR Communications team is an internal service unit supporting the work of all ag and natural resources extension faculty and staff on campus and across the state. Our mission is to create and strategically disseminate important information about new resources and tools, upcoming educational opportunities, newly discovered research, useful expertise and the impact of our work on the lives of Iowans.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Function as a copywriter to produce digital content and printed copy to support ANR programs, projects and grants.
Write, edit and proofread content for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach distribution; via news releases, social media and internal newsletter communication using AP Manual of Style guidelines. Determine the best delivery channel for specific audiences and content.
Function as a feature writer by investigating, interviewing, and observing to write articles that demonstrate the impact researched-based science has on the state of Iowa, by collecting and analyzing facts about ANR programming.
Review publications and resources used for education purposes using Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.
Create and implement a strategic plan to share ANR content across established media channels that align with ANR’s mission and vision.
Monitor current events and media channels to address current, timely issues and identify opportunities to share information or programming grounded in research-based science.
Evaluate media channels for effectiveness and success and recommend adjustments to improve impact and engagement.
Track and record specific media occurrences to help support data reporting.
Occasional travel within Iowa to attend meetings, support events and conduct interviews.
This is a one-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
Level Guidelines• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity• May provide guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:March 2, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS806
Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: • 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.
Original Posting Date: January 21, 2025
Posting Close Date:February 3, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R16238
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.