STEM Public Relations & Events Coordinator

The South Central Iowa Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math ( STEM) Region advances STEM education for PK–12 students by connecting classroom and out-of-school learning in science, technology, engineering, and math to real-world careers in Iowa.
As part of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, the region partners with educators, employers, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to deliver hands-on STEM programming like: Scale-Up, Festivals, Teacher Externships, and STEM BEST workplace-aligned experiences. Our initiatives build STEM excitement, employability skills, and career awareness so young people can pursue high-demand, high-wage STEM pathways.
Our organization supports educators with resources, contacts, and collaboration opportunities to strengthen STEM instruction and community engagement. With our mission of fostering interest, achievement, and bright futures in STEM for learners across South Central Iowa, we hope to increase STEM visibility and participation.
JOB SUMMARY:
The South Central Iowa STEM Region with Drake University is seeking a part-time Public Relations Coordinator with strong relationship building skills, a passion for guiding young Iowans, and ability to learn and meet the needs of the STEM region as priorities evolve.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
In this role, the public relations coordinator assists the Regional STEM Hub Manager in implementing programs to achieve outcomes determined by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: establish effective working relationships with STEM partners in education and industry, coordinate community STEM events, and develop communication strategies to promote the work of the STEM Council and engage new audiences.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, English, Education, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Communications Skills: Proven experience in content creation, professional writing, and editing (e.g., newsletters, press releases, flyers, or social media copy).
Social Media & Design Capability: Basic experience managing professional social media accounts, creating content calendars, and using basic design tools for promotional materials.
Administrative & Tech Literacy: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Excel mail merges, Word, and Outlook) and basic database/inventory management.
Event & Logistics Management: Experience assisting with event planning, coordination, or hospitality.
Availability & Mobility: Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the flexibility to travel and work occasional after-hours/weekends for regional events.
Preferred Qualifications:
STEM Alignment: Prior experience working within or alongside K-12 education systems, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives
Advanced Content Creation: Experience with photography, video editing, and graphic design tailored to brand standards.
Leadership & Public Speaking: Demonstrated ability to confidently present to public audiences, moderate meetings, and step into an "event director" or leadership role in the absence of management.
Regional Knowledge: Familiarity with the South Central Iowa region, its school districts, and community partners.
Strategic Campaigning: Experience developing or executing multi-channel communications strategies and campaigns rather than just executing single posts or emails.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
20% - Write and compile a monthly e-newsletter that is distributed to educators, businesses, legislators, and families of youth in grades preK-12.
10% - Compile information about STEM activities in the region (this might include visits to schools/businesses to take pictures and to interview participants). Select and share regional content with the statewide STEM Council and updates distributed by the Iowa Department of Education.
20% - Assist with developing and hosting periodic events that involve schools, businesses, and community partners. Must be available after hours and able to travel and manage STEM Events throughout South Central Iowa. Create protocols for recurring Hub engagements.
15% - Design and distribute communication materials (registration forms, press releases, flyers, promotional items, invitation lists, event maps, thank you notes, and participant numbers) for festivals and special events.
10% - Build and convey SC Regional STEM campaigns, strategies and initiatives by creating, writing and proofing clear, engaging and concise communications materials across a variety of channels including email, social media, letters and other educational/operational materials for internal and external audiences.
10% - Maintain a social media presence for the STEM state initiative that is housed at Drake. This would include content updates, generating a monthly social media post calendar, and posting on social network media. Incorporate photos, graphics and video in accordance with Hub brand and standards.
5% - Serve as a meeting moderator and event director in absence of the Hub Manager. Present and represent the STEM Hub at Drake at STEM Scale-Up trainings and public events (ex: conference exhibits)
5% - Create, maintain, and manage a database of STEM Hub materials available for checkout within the region
4% - General office management like making copies, merging information from Excel to Word or Outlook, filing, creating labels, setting up for meetings, gathering materials and supplies, etc.
1% - Performing other duties as assigned.
SPECIAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
For consideration, you must apply online.Please include a resume and cover letter .
If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email sarah.derry@drake.edu.
A review of applications will begin immediately.We hope to fill this position by early September, but it will remain open until filled. Applicants should receive a response within two weeks.

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