Position Title:Communication Specialist II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Job Description:
The Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Office of Innovation Commercialization are hiring for a shared Communication Specialist II to support internal and external communications initiatives.
This position will develop and implement a statewide communications strategy that promotes Iowa SBDC programs and OIC while ensuring consistent messaging across websites, print materials, social media, and regional center communications. This is a partially shared position, with 75% of effort dedicated to Iowa SBDC and 25% to the Iowa State Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC).
The Iowa SBDC Lead Center, hosted by Iowa State University, serves as the hub of America's SBDC Iowa statewide network dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Located in Ames, Iowa, the Lead Center is connected to ISU's Ivy College of Business and plays a central role in coordinating resources, training, and support across Iowa's regional SBDC centers.
OIC houses The ISU Research Foundation (ISURF) and Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (OIPTT), which work in concert to facilitate and enhance the inventive and creative works of ISU's employees and students, and to transfer these works for the benefit of society.
Example of Duties
Develop and implement a statewide communications strategy promoting Iowa SBDC programs, client outcomes, and measurable impact.
Manage brand standards and ensure consistent messaging across website, print, social media, and regional center materials.
Lead planning, writing, editing, design coordination, and publication of annual reports and other strategic publications.
Develop marketing and communications materials using Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva to support statewide initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
Create and distribute marketing templates, brand assets, and communication toolkits for regional SBDC centers.
Coordinate messaging and media collaboration with ISU Communications and EDIR to align university an organization priorities.
Identify and develop client success stories and impact narratives to support legislative, stakeholder, and partner engagement efforts.
Manage and update Iowa SBDC website content to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with program priorities.
Develop, schedule, and publish digital newsletters and social media content to increase statewide engagement and visibility.
Serve as primary media contact for statewide SBDC initiatives and programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing and creating content for social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Knowledge of marketing principles, including audience engagement, branding, and digital outreach strategies
Proficiency in design and productivity software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Experience supporting outreach efforts, including event promotion, community engagement, or communications campaigns
Experience delivering presentations to audiences in professional, academic, or community settings
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
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.
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:PS807
Original Posting Date: May 28, 2026
Posting Close Date:June 11, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R19279
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 (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-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 (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
