Communications Specialist-District Wide

Northeast Iowa Community College; Peosta (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa, seeks a skilled communications professional to advance storytelling, content development and media relations. You will oversee the internal News Hub, edit publications, plan editorial content and build partnerships with regional media to highlight NICC’s programs, people and impact.

The role emphasizes AP style, collaboration with Marketing, and producing podcasts and multimedia content.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, Public Relations or related field is required.
• Three or more years of professional experience in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, content development or related field is required.
• Proven ability to research topics, interview subjects and develop compelling stories.

Responsibilities

• Support Catalyst podcast and multimedia productions through planning, interviews, scripting and coordination.
• Monitor content performance with analytics and align with College goals.
• Identify, write and distribute news releases; pitch stories to media.
• Develop leadership communications, talking points, scripts and biographies.
• Maintain media contacts and coverage records; coordinate with Sports Information Director.
• Build relationships with regional, state and national media outlets.
• Serve as primary media inquiries contact and coordinate interviews.
• Support crisis communications in coordination with Marketing leadership.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Editing

Verbal communication

AP Style

Portfolio of writing samples

Editorial standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, Public Relations or related field

3+ years of professional communications-related experience

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Content Management System (CMS)

Job description

Advance the College’s communication strategy through compelling storytelling, content development, editorial management and media relations while overseeing the College’s internal
News Hub, managing editorial and podcast content, developing communications materials and building relationships with regional media to ensure accurate consistent messaging that supports the College’ s priorities, strengthens employee engagement and raises awareness of NICC’s programs, people and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Write, edit and manage content for nicc.edu, internal communications, publications, newsletters, email campaigns, social media, advertising and other marketing materials.
• Interview students, employees, alumni, employers and community partners to develop stories that highlight the College’s programs, people and impact.
• Proactively identify story opportunities and maintain an editorial calendar aligned with College priorities.
• Serve as an editorial resource for departments, ensuring content follows AP Style, brand standards and established communication guidelines.
• Oversee the internal News Hub, including content strategy, editorial planning, submission, publishing, maintenance and coordination with departmental contributors.
• Collaborate with the Webmaster and content managers to improve digital content quality, search engine optimization, accessibility, and readability.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS : Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field is required. Three or more years of professional experience in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, content development or a related field is required.
• Preferred skills: Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging content for multiple audiences. Provide a portfolio of writing samples. Strong understanding of Associated Press Style, grammar, editorial standards and professional writing practices.
• Proven experience researching topics, conducting interviews and developing compelling stories from initial concept to publications on multiple platforms. Demonstrated experience with media relations, including writing news releases, coordinating media interviews and pitching stories.
• Experience with podcast production, audio editing, video production, photo/video editing software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and similar), social media management tools and content management system( CMS ) is preferred.
• CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Essential Functions

• Supporting the Catalyst podcast and multimedia productions through planning, interviews, scripting and coordination.
• Monitor content performance and recommend improvements based on engagement, analytics and College goals.
• Identify, research, write and distribute news releases, develop story pitches and proactively identify opportunities for media coverage.
• Develop leadership communications, talking points, scripts, biographies, speaker introductions and other supporting materials.
• Maintain media contacts and coverage records, monitor media activity and coordinate with the Sports Information Director to ensure cross-sharing of relevant information.
• Build and maintain relationships with regional, state and national media outlets.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinating interviews and connecting reporters with appropriate College representatives.
• Support crisis and sensitive communications in coordination with Marketing and Communications leadership.

Open Date

Open Date 11/02/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes