Marketing and Public Relations Strategist

Town/City

Altoona

Base County

Polk

Counties Served

Polk

Objective

ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County (Polk County Extension) builds a strong Iowa by connecting residents to the research and resources developed by Iowa State University. We offer educational programming and experiential learning opportunities to residents focused in four areas: K-12 outreach and youth development; health and well-being; agriculture and natural resources; and community and economic development.

Polk County Extension, based in Altoona, has an immediate part-time opening for a dynamic and experienced marketing and public relations professional who will provide management level leadership, coaching, and implementation of marketing, communications, media relations, brand management and audience development for Polk County Extension.

The primary responsibility of this position is to create and monitor the execution of the marketing communications plan and be both a leader and coach for the marketing efforts of Polk County Extension staff. This will include implementation for new marketing tools and systems while also identifying and executing innovative ideas to enhance existing tools, systems, and procedures. This person will collaborate with the Regional Director to prioritize the marketing projects and ongoing responsibilities to best promote and enhance the programs of Polk County Extension.

Responsibilities

Ongoing Responsibilities

• The development and execution of our communication strategies for existing and new programs.
• Managing our overall brand consistency, guidelines and standards as directed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
• Work with and train the Regional Director, county staff and volunteers to position Polk County Extension and its programs to maximize public awareness, program development, and partnership opportunities.
• Manage all brand activities and provide guidance and oversight to county staff on key messages, promotion events, web and other communications as assigned.
• Ensure county staff are trained and knowledgeable so that Polk County Extension has a professional, timely, and relevant presence in all media. This will include coaching staff on appearances in radio and television interviews.
• Responsible for writing press releases and pitching story ideas to media outlets.
  
  

Projects

• Develop a marketing plan in partnership with staff to expand program outreach based upon needs in the county.
• Define best practices and document processes for content marketing and online communications strategies.
• Identify messaging concepts and formats that address different target audiences.
• Design measurements and monitor the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
• Other projects, as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or related field
• 5-7 years of previous corporate or agency experience in marketing, communications or public relations
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and handle multiple projects efficiently to meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Proven media and public relations experience; ability to be creative in identifying and executing media opportunities
• Experience working both independently and in a team-oriented environment is essential
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Experience training staff in marketing skills
• Fundamental computer skills in MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, social media and website management
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 Years of previous corporate or agency experience in marketing, communications or public relations
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, social media and website management
• Experience as an Extension program participant
  
  

Additional Information

LOCATION

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Polk County, 1625 Adventureland Dr Ste A, Altoona, IA 50009. This is an in-office position.

APPLICATION DETAILS

For guaranteed consideration all application documents must be submitted by 11:59 pm May 20, 2025 as stated below. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Employment Application for ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County
  
  

To be considered for the position, submit all three of the above documents to pgibbins@iastate.edu . PDF format is preferred.

Job Type

Part Time

Hours

20 hours/week with a flexible schedule. Work hours typically fall between Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours as scheduled.

Wages (type)

Hourly

Wages (status)

non-exempt

Wages

$28-30

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 9 holidays plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System retirement plan
• AFLAC (Optional and at employee’s expense)
  
  

Application Deadline

05/20/2025