Position Title: Strategic Internal Communications Manager Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience Job Description: Summary of
Duties
and
Responsibilities
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. Job duties include: 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 Occasional work outside of regular business hours
Preferred Qualifications
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 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. To find out more about University Marketing and Communications, please visit: University Marketing and Communications 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: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Letter of Application/Cover Letter Why Choose Iowa State University? 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 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. Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: PS809 Original Posting Date: August 5, 2026 Posting Close Date: August 18, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19708 Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University 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 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. 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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 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 website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.