Job Description

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About the Iowa Department for the Blind and Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled:

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is program within the Iowa Department for the

Blind. The library provides Iowans resources, programming, and accessible reading materials for those who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio, braille, or large print. Our Instructional Materials Center provides Iowa students with accessible educational materials.

About this Opportunity:

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is seeking a creative and detail-oriented

Information Specialist I

to support the library's mission of connecting the community with programs, services, and lifelong learning. This position performs professional communication and public information work, helping to develop, produce, and distribute materials that promote library services, programs, and initiatives to the public and media. The successful candidate will create content for print, web, and social media platforms; maintain consistent branding and messaging; and collaborate with staff across programs to highlight the library's impact and value to the community.

What We're Looking For:

An outstanding writer and communicator with experience creating marketing materials such as news releases, newsletters and digital content. A detail-oriented professional who ensures accuracy, consistency, and clarity in every project. A creative and strategic thinker who can turn complex information into compelling stories. An initiative-driven team member with a proactive approach and curiosity to tackle new challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

Writing, Editing, and Content Development

Researching, planning, writing, editing, and publishing informational and promotional materials such as news releases, newsletters, brochures, articles, and presentations. Drafting reports, articles, and news releases that communicate agency programs and services. Designs informational materials, takes photographs, proofreads content, and coordinates production, and develops public information projects to enhance community understanding of library initiatives.

Digital and Social Media Communications

Implementing and maintaining the library's blog and learning management system content. Implementing and maintaining social media presence across multiple platforms, including developing and posting content that promotes library programs and services. Updating and maintaining website and mobile application content using content management software, creating digital graphics, and ensuring event calendars remain current.

Outreach and Public Engagement

Preparing or assisting with multimedia presentations, radio or television segments, and representing the library at meetings and events. Participating in the planning and implementing of library programs and outreach as needed. Organizing and conducting tours that promote understanding and support for library programs and services. Participating in library and Department projects, programs and meetings.

Collaboration

Collaborating with other agencies or organizations on public information material. Collaborating in joint communication efforts across the Department

Some agencies may require applicants to present a portfolio of writing, layout, or other public relations efforts to demonstrate past experience and training.


As an employee of the Iowa Department for the Blind, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to 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 benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page.

To Apply:

Submit an application, resume and cover letter explaining how you exemplify the job requirements at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.

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 federal

Right to Work

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

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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Applicants must 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.

2) Four 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.

3) A total of four years of education (as described in number one) and/or full-time experience (as described in number two), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time.



For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)

Additional Qualification Requirements

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Some agencies may require applicants to present a portfolio of writing, layout, or other public relations efforts to demonstrate past experience and training.