Internal Communications Specialist

Role Overview

The University of Iowa’s UI News Services team is hiring an Internal Communications Specialist to shape and deliver strategic communications and marketing for internal audiences. In this role, you will collaborate closely with writers, editors, and communicators across campus and within the Office of Strategic Communication.

The university expects this position to support a work environment grounded in civility, respect, and inclusion, and to help maintain positive working relationships across the campus community.

About the Office of Strategic Communication

The Office of Strategic Communication serves as the University of Iowa’s central hub for public relations and communication. Its work supports the university mission by creating communication that strengthens awareness of the people, programs, and impact of the institution.

Key Responsibilities

Message development and delivery

• Build communication plans, strategies, and message frameworks to support important institutional initiatives and projects.
• Curate Iowa Now email content for multiple internal audiences, craft audience-specific copy, choose visually effective and brand-aligned images, and assemble email products in Dispatch.
• Work with staff and communicators in colleges and administrative units to find, shape, and promote content that can improve student satisfaction and perception of the university.
• Produce and edit content across multiple formats, such as news releases, talking points, feature articles, email copy, and video scripts.

Public relations and stakeholder communication

• Create audience-focused messaging tailored to specific channels and platforms.
• Coordinate with campus communicators on major campaigns, special events, and crisis situations.
• Build productive relationships and trust with campus partners and stakeholders.
• Stay updated on communications priorities, needs, and challenges in administrative units, and research relevant topics to communicate them effectively.

Information management

• Develop, write, edit, and distribute communications for administrative units, people, programs, and campus-wide initiatives.
• Support communication planning by creating timelines, drafting announcements, writing stories, preparing website copy, developing talking points, producing internal reports, and writing social posts and video scripts.
• Adapt content for different internal audiences and communication channels.
• Contribute as part of the internal communications team and coordinate closely with peers across divisions and units.
• Work with the senior director of internal communication to determine the most effective ways to distribute content.

Strategic planning

• Draft and implement strategic communication and marketing plans.
• Help explain the Office of Strategic Communication’s mission, strengthen the university brand, and build trust and understanding among internal audiences.
• Participate in communication advisory groups when appropriate.
• Prepare recurring analytics reports on internal communication initiatives.

Additional Information

The full job description, including detailed responsibilities, technical competencies, and preferred qualifications, is available by contacting Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.

Application Requirements

To be considered for an interview, applicants must upload these materials and designate them as a “Relevant File” in the submission:

• Resume
• Cover letter

Applications must remain open for at least 7 calendar days. After that period, the posting may be withdrawn and the position may be filled at any time. Final candidates will need to self-disclose any conviction history and will undergo a criminal background check plus credential and education verification. Five professional references will be requested later in the hiring process. For follow-up questions, contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.

Benefits and Compensation

This is a regular salaried position at pay level 4A in Iowa City, Iowa. The role includes a benefits package with paid vacation, sick leave, options for health, dental, life, and disability insurance, and generous employer contributions toward retirement plans.

Additional university benefits include strong health coverage, university-paid life insurance, comprehensive retirement plans, generous leave, 24/7 support services, wellness resources, access to UI Health Care specialists, professional development opportunities, leadership training, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City also offers a high quality of life, including Hancher Auditorium performances, Big Ten athletics, highly rated public schools, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Employment Details

Classification: Communications Specialist. Appointment type: Professional and Scientific. Schedule: Full-time. Compensation level: Pay Level 4A.

Contact Information

Organization: External Relations. Contact: Libby Kleppe. Email: libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.