Digital Communications Specialist – Extension and Outreach

Position Title:
Digital Communications Specialist – Extension and Outreach

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

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

Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, communications, or related field.
Extensive experience in remediation of digital documents.
Expertise in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat Accessibility software and add-ons.
Experience with leading one-on-one trainings.
Experience in copy editing educational or scientific publications.
Participation in a task force, advisory team, or council.
Experience evaluating new software to support accessibility.
Experience with photography, photo editing, and photo library management.
Experience working within a project management system like JIRA or Trello.
Experience working in a cooperative extension environment.

Job Description:

The Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking qualified candidates to join the ANR Communications team as a Digital Communications Specialist, which will be classified as a Communications Specialist II.

This position will focus on digital accessibility including the remediation of old documents and as well as the creation of new education resources; lead internal training, provide consultation as necessary, and create guidance for internal employees; copyediting of educational documents; and taking photos related to agriculture and natural resources for educational or promotional use.

This position will participate in organization-wide accessibility initiatives to reach ANR program area goals and support the work of all nine ANR plan of work teams.

The Digital Communications Specialist will be expected to work within a team to support the creation of high-quality educational resources.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to make independent decisions that support the work they are doing to further the goals and mission of the program area.

This is a three year fixed term position with the 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

Iowa State University is a global, culturally diverse, and welcoming institution where students, faculty, and staff flourish. We know broad experiences and perspectives are vital to advancing innovation, thinking critically, and solving complex problems. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who champion the educational success of all students and support the professional success of colleagues consistent with the university’s Principles of Community.

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

March 17, 2027

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 [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our 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
• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:
February 13, 2024

Posting Close Date:
February 19, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14014