Manager, Brand Messaging and Content

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in marketing writing/brand messaging with measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic writer, representing and applying a brand’s voice and tone with authority, clarity, and consistency, and providing direction for key messaging across audiences and channels.
• Experience developing or applying messaging frameworks that clarify message hierarchy, audience priorities, and decision paths across channels.
• Demonstrated ability to use audience research and performance signals (SEO, analytics, testing) to inform messaging decisions and strengthen copy.
• Skilled at integrating stories, testimonials, and proof points to substantiate claims and build trust.
• Experience writing user-focused, action-oriented web copy within structured website environments, using templates, content models, and standard navigation patterns to drive clarity, usability, and next-step actions.
• Understanding of conversion paths and how different page types (informational, program, landing) support the user journey, with calls to action matched to each.
• Experience working directly in, or within the context of, a CMS such as WordPress or Drupal.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams so content and design work together to create a seamless experience.
• Strong command of language and style, with the ability to balance brevity with necessary detail, self-edit with care, and proofread for accuracy.
• Applicants must include a link for an online portfolio that includes 8-12 samples that represent the quality, relevance, creativity and range of applicant’s work.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience planning and executing complex, large-scale website redesigns.
• Ability to build and maintain style guides and messaging toolkits that scale across teams.
• Experience implementing comprehensive content strategies and using content matrices for efficient, scalable content production.
• Ability to write and structure content to meet WCAG 2.1 AA across web pages and accessible PDFs.
• Proven ability to navigate complex organizations, align stakeholders, secure decisions, and remove roadblocks to delivery.

Application and Position Details

• In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Link for an online portfolio including 8-12 samples
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay level 5A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
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