Communications Specialist

The University of Iowa Libraries seeks to hire a communications specialist (PMP3/4A). The person in this position will propose and implement communication strategies and develop content that best convey key messages; ensure integration of content across different channels; manage the organization's social media accounts; and develop and maintain relationships with key partners and audiences.

The communications specialist reports to the senior director of strategic communications and external relations at the UI Libraries.

Key areas of responsibilities and specific job tasks:

Message Development and Implementation

• Develop and edit news releases, blogs, talking points, feature stories, video scripts, social media posts, etc. for a range of platforms and audiences.

• Design and create content for print and electronic event materials, including flyers, posters, signs, and invitations.

• Proofread and edit content using the university's Editorial Style Guide as a reference.

• Support the Libraries mission through communication that builds awareness and appreciation for its people and services.

• Ensure consistent University of Iowa Libraries branding on all platforms.

Public Relations

• Assist in media relations efforts plan and create relationships with media relations personnel.

• Pitch stories to media.

• Provide support for outreach events.

• Collaborate with Libraries staff and partners to develop, plan promote and manage events.

• Assist with coordinating event details, including reserving spaces, food and drink orders, and A/V requirements as needed.

Information Management

• Assist with assessing outcomes of communication strategies, events, and activities and implement improvements as directed.

• Assist with e-mail campaign management.

Strategic Planning

• Assist the senior director of strategic communication and external relations in the development and implementation of strategic communication and marketing plans.

• Create and implement communication plans for a variety of Libraries announcements, initiatives, events, etc.

Leadership/Supervision

• May provide direction, assignments, and feedback to student workers and/or staff.

This position is eligible for on-campus and/or hybrid remote work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communication, marketing, journalism, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 1 year experience in a communications role or educational role involving strategic communications.

• Experience in creating and editing content for wide variety of audiences and channels (e.g., blogs, talking points, feature stories, video scripts, promotional materials, etc.) as well as developing communication campaigns and plans.

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with proven ability to effectively meet deadlines.

• Experience working in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, and collaboration are essential.

• Ability to think and plan across channels and develop effective communication strategies.

• Demonstrated ability to support a welcoming and respectful environment in a job-related experience, an academic setting, and/or the community.

Desired Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of experience in a communications role or educational role involving strategic communications.

• Highly skilled working with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro), and Canva.

• Experience in managing and creating content for websites and social media accounts.

• Experience working with and/or supporting executive leaders in a strategic capacity.

• Experience with planning and implementing events.

• Demonstrated competence in creating, distributing, and analyzing web-based surveys, such as Qualtrics.

• Experience with e-mail campaign management.

• Experience working in a higher education environment.

Application Details:

In order to be eligible for interview, applicants must upload the following and mark them as "relevant files" when you upload the documents. All three items are required as part of the application process.

• Cover letter that clearly addresses how you meet each of the required and any desired qualifications of this position. To ensure strongest consideration, applicants are encouraged to review all required qualifications and state directly how they meet each of them.

• Current resume

• Three examples of your work or provide a URL to online examples as part of the application process.

This job ad will be posted for a minimum of 14 days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after that date. Please contact andrea-rost@uiowa.edu if you have any questions about the position.

The hiring salary range for the communication specialist position is $54,000 - $64,000.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Communications Specialist

• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific

• Schedule: Full-time

• Work Modality Options: On Campus, Hybrid within Iowa

Compensation

• Pay Level: 4A
• Starting Salary Minimum: 54000
• Starting Salary Maximum: 64000

Contact Information

• Organization: Libraries

• Contact Name: Andrea Rost

• Contact Email: andrea-rost@uiowa.edu