Strategic Content & Communications Specialist
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- May 23, 2025 Post Date
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- 25003519 Requisition #
The Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center is an interdisciplinary collaboration within the College of Law. The Center’s mission is to strengthen nonprofit organizations and serve Iowa’s nonprofit sector through education, research, and engagement. The Center works with local, state, and federal government agencies, public charities, private foundations, and educational institutions to deliver programs and services statewide.
The Creative Media Specialist supports our mission by managing the Center’s website, designing digital materials that incorporate data and visual storytelling, and delivering the Center’s communication strategy across several platforms. This role plays a key part in maintaining and building the Center’s public presence through written, visual, and multimedia content, including effective social media engagement.
Please note: We are targeting a July 1st, 2025 start date for this role.
Specific Job Duties and Tasks
Media Production
- Maintain and update the Center’s website to ensure content is timely, relevant, accessible, and aligned with University branding.
- Develop digital materials that translate nonprofit data, insights, and resources into accessible visual content (e.g., infographics, story maps).
- Create visually cohesive communications across platforms, including e-newsletters, bulletins, reports, and more.
- Produce and schedule social media content (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn) that highlights Center activities, shares sector resources, and engages nonprofit stakeholders.
- Responsibilities include posting events; sharing local, state, and national nonprofit news; and maintaining both the Register of Accountability and the Iowa Grants Guide.
- Track engagement metrics and suggest improvements to enhance reach and relevance.
Project and Production Management
- Collaborate with Center staff to prepare and share nonprofit-focused resources, events, and updates across digital channels.
- Use Drupal CMS, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and University communications platforms (Listserv, Dispatch) to distribute content.
- Maintain the integrity and usability of searchable databases, including the Iowa Grants Guide and the Register of Accountability.
- Monitor for emerging digital tools and participate in training to enhance communications capacity.
Collaboration & Support
- Partner with fellow staff in developing publications and outreach materials that advance Center goals.
- Represent the Center in digital spaces and, on occasion, at events or conferences.
- Coordinate with vendors (e.g., UI Printing) and campus partners for print and promotional materials.
- Crosstrain in administrative areas (e.g., payment handling, record keeping, etc.) to support internal governance and operations.
Supervision/Leadership
- May assist in recruiting and supervising student workers focused on content development, database updates, or social media research.
- With fellow LAWINRC staff, represent the center at external events, including workshops and conferences.
Financial Responsibility
- Gather cost estimates on projects such as print, website upgrades, display banners, handouts, brochures, and publications.
- Recommend and purchase digital or media assets, such as licensed imagery or design tools.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact joshua-gulick@uiowa.edu
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Education Requirement
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, nonprofit studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience Required
- Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in digital communications, content strategy, website management, or related roles.
- Experience designing, editing, and maintaining website content using a content management system (e.g., Drupal, WordPress).
- Demonstrated skill in written communication, with experience developing clear, accessible content for public audiences (e.g., newsletters, event materials, informational handouts, etc.
- Familiarity with social media management and content creation (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn), including basic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
- Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
- High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in publishing written and visual materials.
- Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a small team, working toward shared goals in support of nonprofit outreach and engagement.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience creating or supporting data storytelling content (e.g., infographics, visualized reports, or story maps).
- Interest in nonprofit sector communications, public service, or community engagement.
- Familiarity with accessibility standards and practices.
- Experience using analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Insights) to monitor digital engagement.
- Knowledge of brand management and working within organizational style and identity guidelines.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
In order to be eligible for an interview, applicants must upload the following:
- A current resume
- A cover letter that amplifies your qualifications and interest in this position.
- You may upload up to three samples of your work, such as a webpage (screenshot or link), social media content, visual content piece (e.g., infographic), or something similar.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original 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. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Josh Gulick at joshua-gulick@uiowa.edu.
Benefits Highlights:
Regular salaried position. Pay Level 3A. 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.
For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
