Strategic Internal Communications Manager

Position Title:

Strategic Internal Communications Manager

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

University Marketing and Communications, the central communications and marketing unit at Iowa State, is looking for an experienced communications professional (Communications Specialist III) who excels in communications for internal audiences across various platforms and channels. The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding writing, editing, and communication abilities coupled with a strong sense of professionalism, collaboration, and organization. Leadership skills are essential, along with the capacity for strategic internal communications planning and execution. This role requires someone who can work independently, make informed decisions, effectively manage time, and contribute to a team environment.

In this senior communications role, you'll have the opportunity to lead strategic internal communication efforts aimed primarily at Iowa State's faculty and staff employees. Your leadership will be essential in ensuring that internal communications align with and support the university’s priorities, mission and values. You'll be joining a highly collaborative team that supports the university’s mission through storytelling, effective messaging and alignment with the university's master brand strategy focused on innovation.

Job duties include:

• Support development and execution of internal communications strategy
• Build out university-wide internal communications planning and operations
• Manage production of Inside Iowa State, the flagship faculty-staff communication
• Develop content to ensure university employees are well-informed and clearly understand institutional priorities and decisions
• Measure outcomes encompassing shifts in organizational culture and behavior
• Collaborate with and advise campus communicators on internal communications strategies and coordination
• Generating content that uplifts university priorities and brand
• Supporting campus units with internal communication priorities and needs
• Leading team projects in support of strategic initiatives
• Provide consultation for communication and marketing professionals across campus
• Coordinating visual elements (photography, video, etc.) to support stories
• Reviewing, proofreading and fact-checking content
• Occasional work outside of regular business hours

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations or related field

• Experience leading and/or contributing to project management, including collaborating with contributors without direct reporting authority

• Experience developing and/or implementing a strategic communications plan

• Experience in developing content to build high levels of
  trust, drive employee engagement and contribute to a positive workplace culture

• Experience providing communication guidance for senior leaders

• Hands-on experience with email platforms and other systems for deploying content and tracking metrics

• Prior experience supervising employees

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

To find out more about University Marketing and Communications, please visit:

University Marketing and Communications

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:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS809

Original Posting Date:

August 5, 2026

Posting Close Date:

August 18, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19708

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

 

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.