Recruiting Intern

Job Description

This is a non-merit, internship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Recruiting Intern – Department of Administrative Services (DAS)

Human Resources Enterprise (HRE)

Des Moines, Iowa

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Human Resources Enterprise invites students who are interested in recruiting, human resources, and public service to join our team as a Recruiting Intern.

This internship offers the opportunity to work alongside the Employment Bureau that supports hiring across 16 state agencies, helping connect talented individuals with careers that serve Iowans.

Interns will gain hands-on experience in talent sourcing, recruitment marketing, employer branding, and workforce initiatives that strengthen Iowa’s public workforce. This role provides exposure to the tools, strategies, and partnerships used to attract candidates to meaningful careers in state government.

The internship is expected to begin mid-April and continue through the summer, with flexibility to accommodate student schedules.

Goals And Key Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment outreach and talent pipeline initiatives that support hiring across Iowa state government.
• Support the development and maintenance of recruitment marketing materials, including job postings and employer branding content.
• Help update and enhance recruitment marketing pages and candidate engagement tools used to promote careers in state government.
• Assist in creating digital content that promotes careers in Iowa state government and strengthens the state’s employer brand.
• Conduct sourcing and research activities to help identify potential talent pools, schools, and community partners.
• Assist with early-talent and workforce initiatives designed to introduce students and emerging professionals to careers in public service.
• Help organize and track recruitment data, outreach efforts, and candidate engagement activities.
• Observe and learn the end-to-end recruitment process, including job posting strategies, candidate screening, and hiring workflows.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen recruitment outreach, candidate experience, and employer branding efforts.
• Other duties as assigned in support of statewide recruitment initiatives.
  
  

Experience And Exposure Opportunities

• Public-sector recruiting and talent acquisition strategies
• Recruitment marketing and employer branding
• Candidate sourcing and outreach techniques
• Applicant tracking systems and recruiting technology
• Workforce initiatives designed to build early-career talent pipelines
• Professional collaboration with HR teams and hiring partners across multiple state agencies
• Hands-on project work that can contribute to resume-ready accomplishments and professional skill development
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Marketing, Psychology, or a related field.
• Interest in recruiting, talent acquisition, workforce development, or human resources.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a professional team.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects or assignments.
• Previous coursework, internships, or student organization involvement related to HR or business is a plus.
  
  

Why Join Us

• Gain Practical Experience - Develop real-world recruiting and HR skills while supporting hiring efforts across Iowa state government.
• Receive Professional Mentorship - Work closely with experienced recruiting professionals who are invested in helping students explore careers in human resources and talent acquisition.
• Make a Meaningful Impact - Play a role in connecting talented individuals with careers that support public programs and services for Iowans.
• Build Career-Ready Skills- Hands-on experience in recruiting strategy, outreach, and workforce initiatives that can support future careers in HR, recruiting, or workforce development.
  
  

Internship Details

• Start Date: Late April - Early May 2026 (flexible)
• Schedule: Approximately 15-20 hours per week, depending on student availability
• Work Environment: Des Moines Office with the opportunity for hybrid once established within the role.
  
  

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .