Communications Specialist - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is seeking a Communications Specialist .

Are you a strategic storyteller with a knack for digital content and a passion for higher education? The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is looking for a Communications Specialist who’s ready to bring fresh ideas and energy to our communications team.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of shaping how CLAS connects with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the broader community by crafting compelling content across digital and print platforms—driving engagement, supporting recruitment and retention, and connecting with diverse audiences.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and publish engaging articles and web content that showcase the college’s impact.
• Create and manage email newsletters that inform and inspire.
• Generate, edit, and schedule social media content that builds community and drives interaction.
• Lead and mentor student staff in executing communications initiatives.
• Explore and apply emerging tools—including AI—to enhance content creation, streamline workflows, and expand the reach and effectiveness of communications.
  
  
  

For a full job description or questions about this position, please send an email to chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu.

Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, English, creative writing, or other relevant field.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism.
• Ability to write and edit content demonstrated through web pages, published stories, and/or communications plans.
• Demonstrated ability to customize content for specific audiences through writing, storytelling, or other marketing efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, multi-task, and work on several projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional attention to detail, including copy-editing and following a style guide.
• Experience using a website CMS like Drupal or WordPress.
• Basic familiarity with AI tools like CoPilot, ChatGPT, or Claude AI.
  
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Experience creating and scheduling social media posts using tools like Meta Business Suite, Sprinklr, Sprout Social, Hootsuite, or other tools.
• Experience creating and distributing email newsletters.
• Experience contributing to and using a content calendar.
• Ability to provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching, and counseling to student employees as necessary.
• Experience with search engine optimization (SEO) writing, including familiarity with Google Analytics.
• Experience running advertising on social media platforms and reporting results.
• Experience working in higher education, government, health care or other large, complex organizations.
• Experience using AI tools like CoPilot, ChatGPT, or Claude AI for published content.
  
  
  

Position and Application Details

For additional job details and to apply please visit https://jobs.uiowa.edu/ and access requisition #25005131.

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
  
  
  

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. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States.

For additional questions, please contact: chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Communications Specialist
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus, Hybrid within Iowa
  
  
  

Compensation

• Pay Level: 4A
• Starting Salary Minimum: 55,000
  
  
  

Contact Information

• Organization: College of Liberal Arts
• Contact Name: Chris Crawford
• Contact Email: chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu