Communications Specialist II

Position Title:

Communications Specialist II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or agriculture related field.
Experience using visual creativity to plan and create a variety of content for multiple platforms including printed publications, electronic newsletters, social media, websites, photos and videos.
Experience managing websites to keep content and design fresh and using analytics to track performance.
Experience creating content for, and strategically managing, social media channels.
Experience planning and executing photo and video shoots to capture images/footage that visually communicates a story or idea and within social media apps.
Experience managing a project with multiple contributors.

Job Description:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seeks a Communications Specialist II to join a team supporting a large national Pork industry grant. This grant is part of a multi-year initiative called the Real Pork Trust Consortium aimed at enhancing consumer confidence and trust in the pork supply chain. This effort, led by Iowa State University, involves five universities and focuses on three main areas: addressing questions about pork production and products with research, sharing research in accessible ways, and training individuals to communicate research-based information. The initiative aims to build transparency and trust in the pork industry while fostering a better understanding of pork production, its nutritional role, and its contributions to society.

The Communications Specialist II will work with the team on a comprehensive communications, extension, and research project related to pork production and the supply chain. This role involves providing general communications and project support to faculty and staff, managing customer relations with external clients, and offering communication consultation and coordination for the project.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about communicating agricultural science to the public. As part of the Real Pork Trust Consortium, the Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific research and everyday consumers. You will be part of a collaborative effort to translate complex scientific concepts into relatable, actionable information that resonates with communities and individuals. This position also provides exposure to both communication science research and traditional scientific research, offering a unique chance to contribute to a project that has a significant impact on the transparency and trust in the pork industry. If you’re eager to help shape how scientific information is shared and understood, this is a rare and valuable opportunity to make a difference.

This is a term position with opportunity for renewal.

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

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 complexity
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

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: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter 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. Why Choose ISU? 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 • Flexib