What are the responsibilities and job description for the PT Public Relations Coordinator position at Drake University?
Position Number: 889906
Unit/Department: School of Education
FTE: 20 hrs/wk
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department Summary:
At Drake University's School of Education, we prepare world-class teachers and educational leaders. With nearly 900 undergraduate and graduate students, we’re one of the largest schools of education in the Midwest—and for good reason.
We have an exceptional record of preparing highly effective elementary and secondary teachers, school counselors, principals, superintendents, and specialists working in training and organizational development in the corporate and non-profit sectors. At the same time, we don’t let our size compromise our commitment to providing an intimate learning environment that fosters close connections between students and faculty.
Drake University’s School of Education consists of dedicated, high-energy educators of future educators. We are dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning. We seek faculty who will truly care about the student experience and take pride in their work. Our dedication is demonstrated through ongoing support for faculty in developing their teaching craft through access to numerous, resourced professional development opportunities.
Job Summary:
The South Central Iowa STEM Region with Drake University is seeking a part-time Public Relations Coordinator with strong relationship building skills, a passion for guiding young Iowans, and ability to learn and meet the needs of the STEM region as priorities evolve.
What you’ll do:
In this role, the public relations coordinator assists the Regional STEM Hub Manager in implementing programs to achieve outcomes determined by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: establish effective working relationships with STEM partners in education and industry, coordinate community STEM events, and develop communication strategies to promote the work of the STEM Council and engage new audiences.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, English, Education, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Communications Skills: Proven experience in content creation, professional writing, and editing (e.g., newsletters, press releases, flyers, or social media copy).
- Social Media & Design Capability: Basic experience managing professional social media accounts, creating content calendars, and using basic design tools for promotional materials.
- Administrative & Tech Literacy: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Excel mail merges, Word, and Outlook) and basic database/inventory management.
- Event & Logistics Management: Experience assisting with event planning, coordination, or hospitality.
- Availability & Mobility: Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the flexibility to travel and work occasional after-hours/weekends for regional events.
Preferred Qualifications:
- STEM Alignment: Prior experience working within or alongside K-12 education systems, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives
- Advanced Content Creation: Experience with photography, video editing, and graphic design tailored to brand standards.
- Leadership & Public Speaking: Demonstrated ability to confidently present to public audiences, moderate meetings, and step into an "event director" or leadership role in the absence of management.
- Regional Knowledge: Familiarity with the South Central Iowa region, its school districts, and community partners.
- Strategic Campaigning: Experience developing or executing multi-channel communications strategies and campaigns rather than just executing single posts or emails.
Job Duties:
- 20% - Write and compile a monthly e-newsletter that is distributed to educators, businesses, legislators, and families of youth in grades preK-12. - (Essential)
- 10% - Compile information about STEM activities in the region (this might include visits to schools/businesses to take pictures and to interview participants). Select and share regional content with the statewide STEM Council and updates distributed by the Iowa Department of Education. - (Essential)
- 20% - Assist with developing and hosting periodic events that involve schools, businesses, and community partners. Must be available after hours and able to travel and manage STEM Events throughout South Central Iowa. Create protocols for recurring Hub engagements. - (Essential)
- 15% - Design and distribute communication materials (registration forms, press releases, flyers, promotional items, invitation lists, event maps, thank you notes, and participant numbers) for festivals and special events. - (Essential)
- 10% - Build and convey SC Regional STEM campaigns, strategies and initiatives by creating, writing and proofing clear, engaging and concise communications materials across a variety of channels including email, social media, letters and other educational/operational materials for internal and external audiences. - (Essential)
- 10% - Maintain a social media presence for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) state initiative that is housed at Drake. This would include content updates, generating a monthly social media post calendar, and posting on social network media. Incorporate photos, graphics and video in accordance with Hub brand and standards. - (Essential)
- 5% - Serve as a meeting moderator and event director in absence of the Hub Manager. Present and represent the STEM Hub at Drake at STEM Scale-Up trainings and public events (ex: conference exhibits) - (Essential)
- 5% - Create, maintain, and manage a database of STEM Hub materials available for checkout within the region - (Essential)
- 4% - General office management – making copies, merging information from Excel to Word or Outlook, filing, creating labels, setting up for meetings, gathering materials and supplies, etc. - (Essential)
- 1% - Performs other duties as assigned - (Essential)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.