Information Specialist 2 - Communications & Public Information

Information Specialist 2 - Communications & Public Information

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Information Specialist 2 - Communications & Public Information

Salary

$50,960.00 - $76,190.40 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-02831

Agency

005 Department of Administrative Services

Opening Date

04/16/2026

Closing Date

4/27/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

christopher.sikich@iowa.gov

To Apply

Applicants must attach an unofficial transcript. A cover letter and resume are encouraged.

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

NOTE: This is NOT an IT position

Information Specialist 2 - Communications & Public Information

Department of Administrative Services (DAS) - Human Resources Enterprise (HRE)

Why Join DAS-HRE & the State of Iowa?

At DAS-HRE, we support the people and processes that power State of Iowa government. This role sits at the center of that work, helping ensure clear, consistent, and transparent communication across agencies, leadership, and the public.

As part of our team, you'll help shape how critical information is shared, understood, and acted upon, supporting everything from policy communication to public transparency.

As a State employee, you'll enjoy:

• Work That Matters - Help communicate initiatives that impact Iowa's workforce and communities

• Enterprise-Level Impact - Collaborate across agencies and leadership to drive consistency and clarity

• Professional Growth - Opportunities to expand your expertise in public sector communications

• Stability & Purpose - A meaningful career in public service

What You'll Do

As the central communications lead for DAS-HRE, you will serve as a key advisor and coordinator for internal and external communications, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned across the enterprise.

In this role, you will:

Lead Communications Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and public information plan

• Establish and manage communication workplans aligned with agency priorities

• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and continuously improve approaches

Serve as a Key Liaison & Advisor

• Act as the primary communications liaison between DAS-HRE and the Chief Communications Officer

• Advise program staff and leadership on messaging, tone, and communication strategy

Manage Public Information & Open Records

• Serve as DAS-HRE's open records liaison, ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent responses

• Prepare, review, and edit open records requests in collaboration with legal and leadership teams

• Maintain records and documentation to support transparency and consistency

Develop High-Impact Written Communications

• Prepare talking points, reports, media releases, articles, and stakeholder communications

• Draft and edit materials for leadership, including the COO and bureau chiefs

• Support development of legislative, budgetary, and program-related communications

Support Internal Communications

• Provide guidance, tools, and training to staff on communication standards and best practices

• Develop and maintain style guides and communication templates

• Facilitate collaboration across teams to ensure accurate and inclusive messaging

Oversee Digital & Content Management

• Primary contact for website support and development within DAS-HRE

• Draft, edit, and maintain website content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with policy

• Participate in website governance and improvement efforts

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a strong communicator who can operate both strategically and tactically. This individual will need to translate complex information into clear, actionable messaging while navigating a multi-stakeholder environment.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences

• Experience developing and executing communication plans or strategies

• Ability to manage sensitive or complex information with professionalism and discretion

• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work across teams and leadership levels

• Attention to detail and commitment to consistency, accuracy, and clarity

• Experience with public information, government communications, or open records processes (preferred)

Why This Role Matters

Clear communication builds trust, strengthens collaboration, and ensures transparency in government. In this role, you'll help shape how information flows across DAS-HRE and beyond, supporting informed decision-making and reinforcing the State of Iowa's commitment to serving the public effectively.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.

• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.

• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.

• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).

• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.

• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit ourbenefits webpage. (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits)

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 federalRight to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Selectives

405 Media Communication: 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in preparing and writing materials to disseminate information to the public through the media such as newspapers, TV/radio, etc. May also have dealt with reporters on a regular basis for news releases.

AND

406 Mass Communication: 12 semester hours of coursework involving: journalism, public relations, graphics, or communicative arts. 6 months' experience including: writing, editing, layout, design and publishing of printed materials plus responsibility for disseminating information about the activities of an organization through newspapers, radio, television, periodicals, pamphlets, brochures, and other media. Experience could also involve responsibility for advising management on the public relations implications of management decisions or serving as spokesperson for the organization to media representatives. - Applicants must attach an unofficial transcript for verification

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications and experience equal to two years of full-time work planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking. 2) All of the following (a and b):

a. Two years of full-time work experience in planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking; and

b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of fulltime experience.

3) Number two above, where twenty-four semester hours of postgraduate coursework in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required full-time work experience. 4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 18 months of full-time work as an Information Specialist 1.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\and\pay/JobClassDescriptions/InformationSpecialist2-00751-90751.pdf)

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 (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .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 (https://ipers.org/members) .

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 (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) 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

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking?

• No, I do not have a Bachelor's Degree in the identified areas

• No experience in the identified areas

• One years to less two two years of the required experience

• Two years or more of the required experience

  04

Do you have two years of full-time work experience in planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? If YES - How many years do you have of COMBINED education in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications AND/OR full-time experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? Thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of experience.

• Not applicable, I do not have any of the education and/or experience

• Two years but less than three years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

• Three years but less than four years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

• Four years or more of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

  05

Do you have a COMBINATION of two years of postgraduate coursework in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications from an accredited college or university AND/OR full-time work experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? 24 semester hours of postgraduate course work equals one year of experience. Applicants may substitute up to a MAXIMUM of 24 semester hours or one year of education and must have at least one year of the required experience.

If you answered YES to the above question - How many years do you have of COMBINED education in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications and/or full-time experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? Thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of experience.

• NA- Not applicable, I do not have any of the education and/or experience

• Two years but less than three years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

• Three years but less than four years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

• Four years or more of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

  06

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch), how many months do you have of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee

• Six months to less than 12 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa

• 12 months to less than 18 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa

• 18 months or more of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa

  07

Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in preparing and writing materials to disseminate information to the public through the media such as newspapers, TV/radio, etc.? May also have dealt with reporters on a regular basis for news releases.

• Yes

• No

  08

If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.

09

Does your application demonstrate that you have 12 semester hours of coursework involving: journalism, public relations, graphics, or communicative arts or 6 months experience including: writing, editing, layout, design and publishing of printed materials plus responsibility for disseminating information about the activities of an organization through newspapers, radio, television, periodicals, pamphlets, brochures, and other media? Experience could also involve responsibility for advising management on the public relations implications of management decisions or serving as spokesperson for the organization to media representatives. AN UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT MUST BE ATTACHED.

• Yes

• No

  10

If you answered "Yes" to the question above -please ATTACH AN UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT and list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.]

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

005 Department of Administrative Services

Address

Hoover State Office Building

1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://das.iowa.gov

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