Senior Communications Strategist

Position Title: Senior Communications Strategist Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: Iowa State University is seeking a Senior Communications Strategist (Communications Specialist III) for the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine in Iowa and Nebraska , a National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine helping power the future of biomanufacturing in America's agricultural heartland. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position serves as the communications leader for the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine in Iowa and Nebraska. As a member of the RuralSTAMINA leadership team, the Senior Communications Strategist will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens partnerships, demonstrates impact, and elevates RuralSTAMINA's visibility across regional, state, and national audiences. RuralSTAMINA connects research, manufacturing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships to transform agricultural resources into higher-value products, strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains, create competitive jobs, and expand economic opportunity across Iowa and Nebraska. The Senior Communications Strategist will play a foundational role in building RuralSTAMINA's communications program, establishing its brand, messaging, and public positioning, and telling stories that inspire collaboration, attract new partners, and demonstrate the Engine's impact. This is a unique opportunity to help build the communications foundation for a nationally recognized innovation initiative from its earliest stages, shaping how RuralSTAMINA engages partners, policymakers, industry, and communities for years to come. Working closely with leadership, researchers, partner organizations, workforce development leaders, and external communications vendors, this position develops and implements communications strategies that align with organizational priorities and NSF expectations. The Senior Communications Strategist establishes and maintains RuralSTAMINA's brand, messaging, and public positioning; translates complex scientific and technical information into compelling communications; and ensures consistent messaging across a diverse network of partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will: Build Strategic Communications – Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that advances RuralSTAMINA's mission, organizational priorities, and NSF expectations. Build RuralSTAMINA's Brand and Public Positioning – Establish and maintain RuralSTAMINA's brand, messaging, and public positioning, and develop compelling stories that communicate the Engine's vision, opportunities, and impact. Communicate Complex Information – Translate scientific, technical, manufacturing, workforce development, and economic development information into clear, engaging communications for industry, policymakers, funding agencies, partners, rural communities, and the public. Lead Multi-Channel Communications and Public Engagement – Develop and execute communications across websites, newsletters, email campaigns, social media, presentations, reports, media relations, events, exhibits, and other public-facing communications. Support Executive and Stakeholder Communications – Advise the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team on communications strategy, messaging, presentations, media engagement, legislative outreach, and stakeholder communications. Support Strategic Events and External Engagement – Develop communications, presentations, displays, exhibits, and visual materials that support conferences, legislative visits, industry events, partner meetings, community engagement, and other regional and national outreach opportunities. Collaborate with leadership to ensure RuralSTAMINA presents a consistent and compelling presence with policymakers, industry leaders, funding agencies, and strategic partners. Strengthen Partner Engagement – Coordinate communications across partner organizations and collaborate with external communications, marketing, and public relations vendors to ensure consistent messaging, effective outreach, and alignment across the Engine. Demonstrate Organizational Impact – Develop communication materials that highlight partnerships, research, workforce development, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and regional economic impact for state, federal, industry, and public audiences. Exercise Independent Judgment – Manage multiple priorities while producing high-quality communications in a fast-paced, collaborative, and highly visible environment. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. Experience developing and executing communications for scientific, technological, or economic development initiatives related to biomanufacturing, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, or the bioeconomy Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans for a complex organization, initiative, or multi-partner collaboration. Experience developing and executing communications across multiple platforms, including websites, email campaigns, social media, presentations, reports, and media relations. Experience translating scientific, technical, manufacturing, economic development, or policy information into communications for non-technical audiences. Experience advising organizational or executive leadership on communications strategy, messaging, stakeholder engagement, or public relations. Experience coordinating communications across multiple organizations or collaborating with external communications, marketing, or public relations vendors. For more information about RuralSTAMINA, please visit: Home - NSF RuralSTAMINA This is a fixed term position with an end date of 7/31/2028. Potential renewal contingent on future funding. 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 Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by August 23, 2026. 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 , or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term) Proposed End Date or Length of Term: July 31, 2028 Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: PS809 Original Posting Date: August 6, 2026 Posting Close Date: Job Requisition Number: R19718 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. 515-294-7612, email . 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.