Position Title: Communications Specialist I Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree Job Description: Iowa State Online is a service unit dedicated to supporting marketing and student service efforts of online programs across the university. The Communications Specialist I position collaborates closely with the Manager of Communications to effectively promote and market Iowa State Online. The Communications Specialist is responsible for assisting with communication, marketing, social media, and websites for online education at Iowa State University. This position creates content about students, faculty, events, and news on social media, websites, and printed materials to promote and support online programs and courses. Additionally, this position will work in collaboration with academic units across campus. All staff members are expected to interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior. Example of
Duties
Assist with communications and marketing for Iowa State Online, including internal and external audiences Work with the design team for photography and video production needs Collaborate with unit leadership, faculty, and staff to identify communication opportunities to promote and brand Iowa State Online Assist with website content development and management Implement short and long-term projects targeted toward a variety of audiences Develop content focused on telling impactful and strategic stories about students, faculty, alumni, news and events Maintain inventory of printed materials and forecasts needs for future activities Collect data from various marketing and communications tactics to contribute to unit efforts to collect and analyze the customer experience
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field
Experience
working with multiple projects including internal and external stakeholder groups
Experience
managing and maintaining an inventory of print materials
Experience
in higher education For more information about Iowa State Online, please use the following link: iowastateonline.iastate.edu 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. 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: PS806 Original Posting Date: August 24, 2026 Posting Close Date: August 30, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19735 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.