Communications Specialist I

Position Title:
Communications Specialist I

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
Experience in creating communications/marketing content.
Experience working in an advertising agency.

Job Description:

Summary

As a communications specialist I on our Information Technology Services Strategic Communications team, you will support the university-wide implementation of Workday Student by constructing and disseminating project-level communications, creating branded graphics and developing slide presentations and videos. You will be responsible for aligning communications with brand standards and fact-checking written content. You will also provide support by drafting basic written content for websites, email and newsletters, while adhering to established deadlines.

This position will leverage your understanding of branded communications, graphics use and content development. Using your tech-savvy nature, you will execute tasks using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud and marketing email tools. You will partner with colleagues and subject-matter experts daily to ask questions and seek clarity to confirm written content is accurate. Your collaboration, communication skills, curiosity and ambition will help you achieve success in this role.

ITS provides core computing, network services, enterprise systems and information security resources to the students, faculty, and staff of Iowa State University. The department functions as the university’s central IT unit, responsible for technologies and services that are used broadly across campus. ITS also partners with other IT professionals around campus to provide more specialized IT resources to ISU’s academic and business units.

Works on internal and external communications projects. Provides general customer relations information to external clients or customers, usually not dealing with sensitive subject matter. May assist in providing communication consultation to internal departments.
Example of Duties
• Composes, reviews, edits, produces, and duplicates audio, visual, video, and/or printed program materials for distribution to target audiences.
• Reviews and/or edits layouts, drafts, and information in order to check for content, readability, and style.
• Monitors social media and engages with external audiences in electronic forums.
• Researches materials, interviews individuals, and collects information in order to compose articles, press releases, promotional pieces, reports, or catalogs in print or electronic media.
• Assists with webpage design, maintenance, and content management.
• Monitors various publications and electronic sources of news and commentary for potential relevance to unit activities.
• Interacts with students and student groups in order to engage and promote unit programs, provide clarification, resolve concerns, explain requirements, processes, and/or explain goals of unit programs.
• Forecasts needs and orders supplies in order to maintain inventory levels.
• Represents unit at functions, professional organizations, industry organizations, community, and related external events.
• May oversees designated student employees and/or interns.
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

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 30, 2024

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
06 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 [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our 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:
February 13, 2024

Posting Close Date:
February 19, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R13987