Marketing and Public Relations Strategist
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Polk County
Adverstising, Government-Civil Service, Marketing, PR | Part Time | Onsite | Altoona
Posted: 5/2/25
Job Description
ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County (Polk County Extension), based in Altoona, has an immediate part-time opening for a dynamic and experienced marketing and public relations professional who will provide management level leadership, coaching, and implementation of marketing, communications, media relations, brand management and audience development for Polk County Extension.
The primary responsibility of this position is to create and monitor the execution of the marketing communications plan and be both a leader and coach for the marketing efforts of Polk County Extension staff. This will include implementation for new marketing tools and systems while also identifying and executing innovative ideas to enhance existing tools, systems, and procedures. This person will collaborate with the Regional Director to prioritize the marketing projects and ongoing responsibilities to best promote and enhance the programs of Polk County Extension.
WORK HOURS:
Part-time, 20 hours/week with a flexible schedule. Work hours typically fall between Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours as scheduled.
WAGES:
$28-30/hour based on experience, non-exempt, hourly
Deadline to Apply 5/20/25
Address
1625 Adventureland Dr Ste A
Essential Job Functions
RESPONSIBLITIES include, but are not limited to:
Ongoing Responsibilities:
· The development and execution of our communication strategies for existing and new programs.
· Managing our overall brand consistency, guidelines and standards as directed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
· Work with and train the Regional Director, county staff and volunteers to position Polk County Extension and its programs to maximize public awareness, program development, and partnership opportunities.
· Manage all brand activities and provide guidance and oversight to county staff on key messages, promotion events, web and other communications as assigned.
· Ensure county staff are trained and knowledgeable so that Polk County Extension has a professional, timely, and relevant presence in all media. This will include coaching staff on appearances in radio and television interviews.
· Responsible for writing press releases and pitching story ideas to media outlets.
Projects:
· Develop a marketing plan in partnership with staff to expand program outreach based upon needs in the county.
· Define best practices and document processes for content marketing and online communications strategies.
· Identify messaging concepts and formats that address different target audiences.
· Design measurements and monitor the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
· Other projects, as assigned.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or related field
Experience
POSITION REQUIREMENT
· Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or related field
· 5-7 years of previous corporate or agency experience in marketing, communications or public relations
· Excellent organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and handle multiple projects efficiently to meet deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills
· Proven media and public relations experience; ability to be creative in identifying and executing media opportunities
· Experience working both independently and in a team-oriented environment is essential
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
· Experience training staff in marketing skills
· Fundamental computer skills in MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, social media and website management
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· 10 Years of previous corporate or agency experience in marketing, communications or public relations
· Advanced computer skills in MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, social media and website management
· Experience as an Extension program participant
Benefits
· Paid time off
· 9 holidays plus 2 additional floating holidays
· Iowa Public Employees Retirement System retirement plan
· AFLAC (Optional and at employee’s expense)
About the Company
ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County (Polk County Extension) builds a strong Iowa by connecting residents to the research and resources developed by Iowa State University. We offer educational programming and experiential learning opportunities to residents focused in four areas: K-12 outreach and youth development; health and well-being; agriculture and natural resources; and community and economic development.
Travel Required
Within the county - reimbursement at current IRS rate. Some travel in state occasionally.
Resume Required
Yes
Contact Person
Paul Gibbins