Communication Specialist II

Position Title:

Communication Specialist II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Job Description:

Summary

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.

Example of Duties

• 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.

About the College of Design:

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.

Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

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 [email protected] 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
 

Original Posting Date:

January 28, 2026

Posting Close Date:

February 8, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18522