Communications Specialist II - Office of the Vice President for Research

Position Title:

Communications Specialist II - Office of the Vice President for Research

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in journalism, marketing, communications, English, or related field.

Proven, professional experience writing engaging stories about research, science, or other technical subject matter.

Experience and proficiency in AP Style guidelines.

Strong experience creating and distributing electronic newsletter content through the MailChimp email marketing platform.

Strong experience with the WordPress web content management system.

Experience creating content for multiple social media channels, specifically X/Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Experience or education in public relations, marketing communications and/or brand marketing.

Job Description:

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is seeking a Communications Specialist II to create and disseminate content that: A) apprises the campus research community of trainings, compliance matters, research ethics and professionalism, and funding opportunities that are essential to individual and enterprise-wide success; and B) champions the success of Iowa State Research to both internal ISU and external audiences. 

Job duties include:

• Developing exceptional written content that reflects the highest standard of professionalism and elevates the profile of the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Iowa State Research brand.

• Executing and managing the OVPR’s suite of Iowa State Research-branded proactive communications vehicles including our Discoveries & Developments newsletter (published once a month) that champions Iowa State Research, and our Announcements & Opportunities newsletter (published once a month) that provides information and updates that support the success of our research community.

• Managing the OVPR website and overseeing the websites of OVPR’s service support units: Office of Research Ethics (ORE); Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA); and Grants Hub. 

• Continuing to organically grow the OVPR social media presence – first established in 2020 – by strategically and methodically creating compelling posts and messaging that project the professionalism of Iowa State Research and reinforce the value our discoveries and work deliver to the communities that Iowa State University serves.

• Partnering with the OVPR strategic communications manager to support special events and projects. 

​The successful candidate will be adept at comprehending complex research ideas and communicating them to a wide audience and will possess: excellent writing and editing skills; strong attention to detail; a proven ability to collaborate with others; and the ability to balance multiple projects with tight deadlines. 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (https://research.iastate.edu) advances the Iowa State University research mission in collaboration with partners in colleges, interdisciplinary research centers, and central administration. We organize, facilitate, and provide strategic direction to maximize the ability of faculty to create new knowledge, translate their discoveries, and engage in exceptional research careers. To create an efficient and effective research enterprise, we also offer facilitation services to support sponsored funding, research ethics and professionalism, and research integrity. Our mission is to promote a vibrant and supportive environment for scholarly and artistic endeavors, foster ethical conduct of research, and integrate research into the education, outreach, and engagement missions of the university.

Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexi