Position Title:Communications Specialist II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Job Description:
The Department of Agronomy and the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University is seeking a Communications Specialist II to help share hare the impact of our research, teaching, and Extension programs with prospective students and families, alumni, donors, industry partners, and the broader agricultural community.
The Department of Agronomy is nationally recognized for excellence in crop production, plant breeding and genetics, soil science, seed science, digital agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Our work advances science that supports farmers, strengthens rural communities, and addresses global challenges in food, feed, fiber, and fuel systems. The Iowa Nutrient Research Center (INRC) supports science-based solutions to nutrient management challenges, including evaluating current and emerging practices and advancing strategies that improve environmental and agricultural outcomes.
This position plays a key role in elevating the visibility, understanding, and impact of Agronomy and INRC programs through strategic communications, storytelling, and digital engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Create and publish compelling stories and multimedia content highlighting student, faculty, Extension, and alumni accomplishments to support recruitment, donor engagement, and stakeholder communications.
Develop, manage, and distribute departmental newsletters (digital and/or print).
Lead the development of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center annual report, coordinating content, design, and production with internal teams and external partners.
Manage and update departmental and INRC websites using WordPress, ensuring content accuracy, accessibility, visual consistency, and timely updates.
Support social media content development and digital engagement strategies across platforms.
Monitor website and digital performance analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) and use insights to improve content effectiveness and audience engagement.
Draft donor communications and support stewardship efforts in collaboration with the Iowa State University Foundation.
Collaborate with ISU Admissions and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences marketing teams to support recruitment and enrollment communications.
Monitor research, Extension, and media activity to identify opportunities to promote program impact and visibility.
Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to support strategic communication initiatives and strengthen engagement across Agronomy Hall.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, agricultural communications, or a related field.
Experience creating and managing content across multiple communication channels, including websites, social media, email newsletters, and print publications.
Experience translating complex scientific, technical, or agricultural information into clear, engaging communications for broad audiences.
Experience managing website content (preferably WordPress) and using web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to improve digital engagement and content performance.
Experience using digital marketing strategies and tools, such as SEO, email marketing platforms, CRM systems, or paid digital advertising.
Experience collaborating with faculty, students, staff, alumni, industry partners, or other stakeholders to develop and deliver strategic communications.
Why You'll Love This RoleIn this role, you will help communicate research and Extension programs that directly impact agriculture, environmental quality, and nutrient management practices in Iowa and across the Midwest. You will work closely with faculty, researchers, Extension professionals, and communications colleagues in one of the nation's leading agronomy departments.
This position offers the opportunity to combine storytelling, science communication, and digital strategy to support student recruitment, strengthen donor and alumni engagement, and elevate the visibility of research that makes a real-world difference in agriculture and natural resource management.
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Workdays and hours are flexible within a Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. schedule.
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: June 29, 2026
Posting Close Date:July 6, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R19525
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.
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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.
