Communications Specialist II - Part-Time

Position Title:
Communications Specialist II - Part-Time

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or related field
Training or experience specific to technical communication
Experience with developing and managing content for social media and websites, preferably Wordpress
Experience with graphic software (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
Experience with video editing

Job Description:

The Iowa NSF EPSCoR program is accepting applicants for a Communications Specialist II (half-time, 20 hours/week) to collaborate closely with the Program Director and Program Administrator to effectively promote and market the Iowa NSF EPSCoR. This position will collaborate with a team to effectively implement and communicate the Iowa NSF EPSCoR brand.  

The Iowa NSF EPSCoR program – “Meeting Human Needs with Things that Grow” - will build and integrate research capacity and workforce development in biosciences and advanced manufacturing throughout the state. This is a 5-year, $20M project, reporting to the Vice President for Research (VPR) at Iowa State University and partnered with four other Iowa institutions. The program has 43 associated faculty and more than 25 researchers.     

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for internal and external communications, including the social media accounts, the monthly internal newsletter, the quarterly external newsletter and the program website. The Communications Specialist will assist with gathering data for evaluation and NSF reporting, preparing information for the advisory council and for Chemurgy 2.0 symposium, and advertising of the program opportunities such as the seed funding RFPs. The Communications Specialist will work with companies participating in the Iowa Internship program, developing a set of best practices for broadly advertising internship positions throughout Iowa. 

The successful candidate will have effective time management and organizational skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively.  

This is an one year, regular with term appointment(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
• 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

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 16, 2025

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Part 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 • 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:
April 30, 2024

Posting Close Date:
May 13, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14598