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Information Specialist 1

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Information Specialist 1

Salary

$42,889.60 - $63,044.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01470

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Opening Date

12/04/2025

Closing Date

12/14/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Sarah Willford [email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

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-orientedInformation 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 (https://das.iowa.gov/state-employees/human-resources/employee-benefits-programs/employee-benefits-overview) .

To Apply:

Submit an application, resume and cover letter explaining how you exemplify the job requirements atjobs.iowa.gov (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa) 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 visit www.e-verify.gov .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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 thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/InformationSpecialist1-00750-90750.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

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

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 degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications?

+ Yes

+ No

04

How many years do you have 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?

+ No experience in the identified areas

+ Less than two years of experience in the identified areas

+ Two years to less than three years of experience in the identified areas

+ Three years to less than four years of experience in the identified areas

+ Four or more years of experience in the identified areas

05

How many years do you have of combined post high school education in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications AND/OR 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? (30 semester hours equals one year of experience.)

+ No post high school education in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications

+ Less than two years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas

+ Two years to less than three years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas

+ Three years to less than four years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas

+ Four or more years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

131 Iowa Department for the Blind

Address

524 4th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

Website

https://blind.iowa.gov/

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