Marketing Specialist

Agriculture Marketing SpecialistThe Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is seeking a creative, strategic, and results-driven professional to join the growing Choose Iowa team as a Choose Iowa Marketing Specialist.This role is an exciting opportunity to help expand awareness of Iowa-grown, Iowa-raised, and Iowa-made food, beverage, and agricultural products while supporting local producers, rural communities, and Iowa's agricultural economy.As the state's official brand for identifying and promoting Iowa ag products, Choose Iowa connects consumers with local farms and small businesses and helps strengthen food systems across the state. If you are passionate about marketing, storytelling, agriculture, and making a meaningful impact, this position offers the chance to build something that matters.Why This Opportunity Stands OutHelp grow a statewide brand that supports Iowa farmers, producers, and communitiesLead creative campaigns that increase consumer awareness and engagementCombine strategy, storytelling, events, and digital marketing in one impactful roleCollaborate with leaders, industry partners, and community organizations across IowaUse your marketing skills to strengthen local food systems and rural economiesWhat You'll DoLead Marketing & Brand StrategyDevelop and execute marketing strategies that build Choose Iowa brand awarenessManage paid advertising campaigns, budgets, vendor coordination, and performance reportingMeasure return on investment and recommend improvements based on resultsEnsure marketing efforts align with agency priorities and program goalsDrive Content & StorytellingOversee content planning and creation across multiple channels and tactics including social media, website, email, print, and multimediaWrite and edit marketing materials including website copy, press releases, fact sheets, presentations, and campaign messagingCreate editorial calendars, conduct content audits, and optimize performance across platformsShowcase Iowa ag products and producers through compelling storytellingManage Digital PresenceLead website updates, landing pages, SEO efforts, and user engagement strategiesSupport e-commerce tools, email marketing, and CRM-related outreach effortsAnalyze audience behavior and campaign performance to improve resultsCoordinate Outreach & EventsPlan and promote signature Choose Iowa events such as the Farm Store Crawl and Fall CrawlCoordinate Choose Iowa participation in trade shows, conferences, meetings, and public eventsBuild awareness through strategic partnerships and community engagementSupport Program GrowthManage special projects that expand Choose Iowa visibility and impactStay current on food, agriculture, tourism, and marketing trendsPerform related duties as assignedWhat We're Looking ForExperience developing and managing paid advertising or communications campaignsBrand management experience with a focus on growth and ROIStrong writing, editing, and communication skillsRobust graphic design and digital media editing talentsExcellent organization and project management abilitiesExperience using analytics to guide marketing decisionsCreative problem-solving and strategic thinking skillsTechnical Skills Helpful for Success:Adobe Creative CloudCanvaPhotography and videographySocial media management platformsMicrosoft Word, Excel, and PowerPointDrupal, HTML, or website management toolsCRM or customer engagement systems (preferred)Schedule & Work EnvironmentFull-time positionMonday through Friday scheduleOccasional evening or weekend eventsSome travel requiredBased in Des Moines at the Hoover Building – not virtualWhy Join IDALS & the State of Iowa?Working for the State of Iowa means contributing to work that strengthens communities, supports agriculture, and protects the wellbeing of Iowans and their animals.As a State employee, you'll enjoy:Work That Matters - Support Iowa's agriculture and animal health systemsStability & Purpose - Meaningful public service careerProfessional Growth - Opportunities to learn, develop, and advanceComprehensive Benefits PackagePaid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, and jury duty leaveLow out-of-pocket, high-quality medical insurance optionsDental insurance — single coverage at no costIPERS Retirement plus state-matched deferred compensation programBasic life insurance and long-term disability coverageOptional supplemental insurance plansLearn more about State of Iowa benefits on our careers website: State of Iowa BenefitsHow to ApplyThe State of Iowa uses NEOGOV to accept and process applications and is an E-Verify employer.Visit the State of Iowa Careers page and apply under Jobs Open to All Applicants.Applicants should upload and attach a resume and cover letter in the Attachments section of the application.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