Talent Outreach Specialist

Talent Outreach Specialist

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Talent Outreach Specialist

Salary

$50,398.40 - $85,342.40 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03406

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

06/16/2026

Closing Date

6/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Dana McKenna - View email address on click.appcast.io

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Description

Are you inspired by the work of public service and eager to help position the DOT as an employer of choice? If you’re passionate about attracting exceptional talent and sharing the impact our agency makes for communities across the state, this role offers the opportunity to help elevate our brand, strengthen our workforce, and tell the story of the vital services we provide.

At theIowa Department of Transportation (DOT), we do more than manage roads and bridges; we are Making Lives Better Through Transportation. We’re looking for a Road-Ready-Go-Getter for ourTalent Outreach Specialist who will play a central role in shaping and strengthening our employer brand. Someone who will help promote the Iowa DOT as a place where people want to build meaningful, long-term careers. This position will elevate our culture, communicate our mission, and connect future talent with the opportunities that move Iowa forward!

Our core values —Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity without Exception— are the heart of who we are. In this role, you won’t just talk about them; you’ll live them. They’ll shape how you connect with people, how you tell our story, and how you build trust across the state. These values are the backbone of our brand, and they’ll guide your work in every moment.

What You’ll Do:

• Build Partnerships:Develop and sustain strong relationships with universities, community colleges, educational institutions, community programs, and state service agencies throughout the state.

• Social Media Connoisseur: Own our talent outreach presence! Create engaging content that highlights our culture, showcases our employees, and builds massive brand awareness across all digital platforms.

• Marketing Strategy: Develop creative campaigns to promote our competitive benefits, diverse career paths, and the “why” behind working for the Iowa DOT.

• Public Engagement:Use the partnerships you build to shape where and how you engage with the public, ensuring our time in the community is purposeful and aligned with our talent needs.

• Analytics That Move:Turn data into momentum with clear, compelling analytics that show the real impact of your outreach and marketing efforts.

• Brand That Pops:Create eye-catching booth designs and branded materials with the External Communications team that make us impossible to miss.

Who You Are (The Ideal Candidate):

• Full-Tank Energy — You bring enthusiasm that fuels every project.

• Brand Navigator — You steer our brand with confidence and creativity.

• High-Speed Connection Skills— You build relationships quickly and authentically.

• Full-Throttle Charisma — You show up with energy people gravitate toward.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance

• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here. (

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.

• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match

• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.

• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling, legal, financial).

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website ( !

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa – Apply now!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: View email address on click.appcast.io

Reasonable accommodation such as interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

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

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

• A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience in technical or professional human resources work, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.

• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full-time work performing technical human resources work.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator ( .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS ( .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here ( to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.

• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree (or higher degree)?

• Yes

• No

04

Do you have a combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience in technical or professional human resources work, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience? Human resources technical work includes full-time work where your primary duties and the majority of your time is spent performing work in areas such as payroll, employment, position classification, compensation, collective bargaining administration, worker's compensation, employee discipline, and employee benefit administration.

• Yes

• No

05

Are you a current permanent State of Iowa employee? If yes - Do you have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full-time work performing technical human resources work? Human resources technical work includes full-time work where your primary duties and the majority of your time is spent performing work in areas such as payroll, employment, position classification, compensation, collective bargaining administration, worker's compensation, employee discipline, and employee benefit administration.

• I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee and have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full-time work performing technical human resources work

• I am not a current permanent State of Iowa employee

• I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee BUT DO NOT HAVE current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full-time work performing technical human resources work

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Address

800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website

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