Communication Specialist II

Position Title
Communication Specialist II

Job Group
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience.

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.

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.

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.

Responsibilities

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 and 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.

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

Benefits
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.

Appointment Details
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 21, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19279

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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.

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