Agriculture Marketing Specialist | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) | Des Moines, Iowa
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is seeking a creative, strategic, and results‑driven professional to join the growing Choose Iowa team as a
Choose Iowa Marketing Specialist .
This role is an exciting opportunity to help expand awareness of Iowa‑grown, Iowa‑raised, and Iowa‑made food, beverage, and agricultural products while supporting local producers, rural communities, and Iowa’s agricultural economy.
As the state’s official brand for identifying and promoting Iowa ag products, Choose Iowa connects consumers with local farms and small businesses and helps strengthen food systems across the state. If you are passionate about marketing, storytelling, agriculture, and making a meaningful impact, this position offers the chance to build something that matters.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Help grow a statewide brand that supports Iowa farmers, producers, and communities
Lead creative campaigns that increase consumer awareness and engagement
Combine strategy, storytelling, events, and digital marketing in one impactful role
Collaborate with leaders, industry partners, and community organizations across Iowa
Use your marketing skills to strengthen local food systems and rural economies
What You’ll Do
Lead Marketing & Brand Strategy
Develop and execute marketing strategies that build Choose Iowa brand awareness
Manage paid advertising campaigns, budgets, vendor coordination, and performance reporting
Measure return on investment and recommend improvements based on results
Ensure marketing efforts align with agency priorities and program goals
Drive Content & Storytelling
Oversee content planning and creation across multiple channels and tactics including social media, website, email, print, and multimedia
Write and edit marketing materials including website copy, press releases, fact sheets, presentations, and campaign messaging
Create editorial calendars, conduct content audits, and optimize performance across platforms
Showcase Iowa ag products and producers through compelling storytelling
Manage Digital Presence
Lead website updates, landing pages, SEO efforts, and user engagement strategies
Support e‑commerce tools, email marketing, and CRM‑related outreach efforts
Analyze audience behavior and campaign performance to improve results
Coordinate Outreach & Events
Plan and promote signature Choose Iowa events such as the Farm Store Crawl and Fall Crawl
Coordinate Choose Iowa participation in trade shows, conferences, meetings, and public events
Build awareness through strategic partnerships and community engagement
Support Program Growth
Manage special projects that expand Choose Iowa visibility and impact
Stay current on food, agriculture, tourism, and marketing trends
Perform related duties as assigned
What We’re Looking For
Experience developing and managing paid advertising or communications campaigns
Brand management experience with a focus on growth and ROI
Strong writing, editing, and communication skills
Robust graphic design and digital media editing talents
Excellent organization and project management abilities
Experience using analytics to guide marketing decisions
Creative problem‑solving and strategic thinking skills
Technical Skills Helpful for Success
Adobe Creative Cloud
Canva
Photography and videography
Social media management platforms
Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Drupal, HTML, or website management tools
CRM or customer engagement systems (preferred)
Schedule & Work Environment
Full‑time position
Monday through Friday schedule
Occasional evening or weekend events
Some travel required
Based in Des Moines at the Hoover Building – not virtual
Why Join IDALS & the State of Iowa?
Working for the State of Iowa means contributing to work that strengthens communities, supports agriculture, and protects the wellbeing of Iowans and their animals.
Work That Matters
– Support Iowa’s agriculture and animal health systems
Stability & Purpose
– Meaningful public service career
Professional Growth
– Opportunities to learn, develop, and advance
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, and jury duty leave
Low out‑of‑pocket, high‑quality medical insurance options
Dental insurance – single coverage at no cost
IPERS Retirement plus state‑matched deferred compensation program
Basic life insurance and long‑term disability coverage
Optional supplemental insurance plans
Minimum Requirements
Six years of full‑time work experience in farm management, livestock production and sales, livestock reporting, grain elevator sales, agricultural commodity brokerage, or in promotions or marketing work associated with agricultural commodities or products.
All of the following:
A total of four years of education and full‑time experience, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in marketing, economics, business administration, statistics, agronomy, horticulture, or animal science equals one year of full‑time experience;
A total of two years of graduate‑level education and full‑time experience, where twenty‑four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in marketing, economics, business administration, statistics, agronomy, horticulture, or animal science equals one year of full‑time experience.
Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full‑time work as a Livestock Marketing Specialist or other position involving collecting, compiling, and disseminating agricultural market data.
Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to complete the Market News Reporter Training sponsored by the USDA Market News Service.
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Choose Iowa Ag Marketing Specialist - Polk Co
State of Iowa, Des Moines, IA, United States