Marketing Specialist II

Position Title:Marketing Specialist II

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Are you a creative and strategic thinker and storyteller? Do you thrive in dynamic, mission-focused environments where you can drive impactful marketing and communication initiatives to attract and engage students, faculty, and visitors? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

University Museums at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a Marketing Specialist II to join our team. University Museums at Iowa State University is a distinctive organization that encompasses two art museums, a National Historic Landmark site and home museum, a sculpture garden, and one of the largest campus public art collections in the nation. University Museums brings world-class exhibitions with educational programming to Iowa State University, actively acquires works of art to add to the more than 30,000 permanent collection objects, conserves and preserves collections, conducts and publishes curatorial scholarship, and fosters inspired student engagement. The University Museums is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. For more information about University Museums at Iowa State University, please visit

Position Overview:

As the Marketing Specialist, you'll play a key role in elevating the University Museums' presence and impact as a resource for university audiences and an attraction for visitors to Iowa State and Ames. Working under the general guidance of the Director and Chief Curator and in close coordination with our team, you'll lead the charge in crafting and executing innovative marketing strategies and communication plans that captivate and engage our campus and community audience. You will use strong writing skills and both traditional and digital marketing to help tell the story of University Museums.

What You'll Do:

• Strategic Direction: Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy that enhances the visibility and reputation of the University Museums. Monitor and evaluate its effectiveness to ensure we’re meeting our goals. Make strategic changes and adaptations as needed.

• Brand Management: Shape and uphold the museum’s brand identity, ensuring consistency across all communications and aligning with the broader University brand.

• Promotion & Outreach: Drive promotional efforts for exhibitions, public programs, special events, and more. Engage with audiences on campus and beyond—locally, regionally, and nationally.

• Digital Presence: Maintain and enhance our website and social media channels (Instagram and Facebook) to keep our community informed and engaged.

• Creative Production: Create interpretive and promotional materials such as brochures, posters, digital content, and wayfinding signage. Develop media advertising plans and ensure cost-effective coverage.

• Budget & Metrics: Set and achieve measurable marketing goals in line with an overall strategic plan while managing a balanced budget. Track and report on marketing and communication metrics to drive continuous improvement.

• Public Relations: Develop public relations materials that align with our unified voice, handle media inquiries, and represent the museum in several communications committees.

• Event Support: Assist with both in-person and virtual programs and events, including those held outside regular office hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience implementing marketing strategies and long-range plans (forecasting)

• Strong experience managing and running an organization's website and social media

• Experience developing interpretive materials and storytelling

• Experience designing communications/marketing materials such as brochures, posters, invitations, and other media using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) and original photography

At the University Museums, you'll be part of a vibrant team dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the arts and history of Iowa State University. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment along with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community.

Ready to take your career to the next level and be a driving force in our marketing and communications efforts? Apply now and help us tell the story of the University Museums!

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

• Life insurance and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io, or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS808

Original Posting Date: July 16, 2026

Posting Close Date:July 29, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R19614

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources ( website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub ( .

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University ( attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community ( . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

If you have questions about the application process please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll-Free at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll-Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources ( website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.