Marketing Specialist III

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University – Graduate College is seeking a Marketing Specialist III to lead marketing and communications efforts that advance graduate education, support enrollment goals, and raise the College’s visibility and reputation.

The role drives integrated plans, brand narrative development, and cross-campus collaboration with Enrollment Management and University Marketing and Communications to deliver student-focused outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Experience leading integrated marketing strategies from planning through evaluation.
• Experience creating content across websites, social media, email, and other digital channels.
• Experience using analytics and market research to inform marketing strategy.

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement a unified marketing and communications vision for the Graduate College.
• Develop a differentiated brand narrative to support enrollment goals.
• Create integrated marketing plans to support recruitment, enrollment growth, retention, and visibility.
• Use data and metrics to inform marketing strategy and decision-making.
• Build partnerships with Enrollment Management and university marketing leaders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Collaborative skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field

Tools

Google Analytics

Website CMS

Email marketing platforms

Job description

Position Title:Marketing Specialist IIIJob Group:Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experienceJob Description:Shape the Future of Graduate Education MarketingThe Graduate College at Iowa State University is seeking a strategic marketing and communications professional to lead marketing efforts that advance graduate education, support enrollment goals, and strengthen the College’s visibility and reputation.Working independently under broad direction, this position develops and implements integrated marketing strategies that engage prospective and current graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners. The Marketing Specialist III serves as a key marketing liaison with Enrollment Management and University Marketing and Communications and collaborates across academic colleges, graduate programs, and university partners to support recruitment, student success, and institutional priorities.The successful candidate will bring strategic thinking, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to translate complex academic and research topics into compelling communications for a range of audiences.What You’ll DoEstablish and implement a unified marketing and communications vision for the Graduate College that aligns with university-wide enrollment and branding objectives.Develop a compelling and differentiated Graduate College brand narrative that supports Iowa State University's strategic priorities and graduate enrollment goals.Create integrated marketing plans that support graduate student recruitment, enrollment growth, retention, engagement, and program visibility.Utilize enrollment trends, audience insights, market research, and performance metrics to inform marketing strategy and decision-making.Build strong collaborative partnerships with Enrollment Management, academic colleges, and university marketing leaders to provide seamless and student-centered experience.Identify opportunities to strengthen alignment between Graduate College marketing efforts and broader university recruitment, marketing, and communication initiatives.Why You’ll Love This RoleThis new role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the Graduate College and help shape its marketing and communications efforts. You’ll join a close-knit team that values collaboration, strong working relationships, and supporting one another. With a lot of opportunities to build and strengthen the Graduate College’s marketing presence, you’ll have the chance to develop strategies and initiatives that support graduate enrollment, engagement, and the College’s broader goals.Preferred QualificationsBachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.Experience developing and leading integrated marketing or communications strategies from planning through execution and evaluation.Experience creating and managing content across websites, social media, email, and other digital channels.Experience using analytics, audience insights, market research, or other data to inform marketing strategy and evaluate results.Experience building collaborative partnerships across teams or organizations to advance shared goals.Experience developing marketing or communications strategies that support enrollment, recruitment, engagement, or other organizational goals.This is a 3-year term position that may have the possibility of renewal.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 VitaeLetter of Application/Cover LetterWhy 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 plansGenerous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plansOnsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)Life insurance and long-term disabilityFlexible Spending AccountsVarious voluntary benefits and discountsEmployee Assistance ProgramWellbeing programIowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], 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:November 8, 2029Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:PS810Original Posting Date:October 8, 2026Posting Close Date:October 18, 2026Job Requisition Number:R20040Iowa 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. [phone], email [e-mail] .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.