Manager, Brand Messaging and Content

Iowa, IA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 18 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The University of Iowas Office of Strategic Communication is seeking a strong writer and marketing leader to shape and apply a clear consistent brand voice and guide messaging that moves people from interest to action.

In this role youll work with a cross-functional team where writing is treated as strategic work. Youll translate research insights and real outcomes into clear audience-focused copy that helps people understand what matters and what to do next. From headlines and calls to action to page-level and campaign content youll guide messaging across key moments that shape decisions and drive engagement.

This role requires strong judgment and collaboration in a large complex organization. There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective civil and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the Universitys commitment to creating welcoming and respectful environments for all.

This position is eligible for hybrid/remote work and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

Translate audience research and performance data into messaging strategy and copy guidance that informs priorities positioning and channel decisions.
Plan and conduct interviews to gather real stories and perspectives that humanize and strengthen marketing messages.
Source verify and integrate quantitative and qualitative proof points (outcomes data rankings testimonials) to substantiate claims and build credibility.
Distill web strategy and SEO insights into clear audience-focused page copy aligned to messaging priorities and user intent.

Marketing Plan

Serve as the lead writer for planning writing and maintaining content within the CMS that meets audience needs and advances engagement goals.
Apply the brand messaging framework to ensure audience-focused copy is aligned to the buyer journey with clear calls to action that move people to the next step.
Write clear persuasive copy across a range of marketing materials including websites landing pages email campaigns digital ads videos and print collateral.
Collaborate across disciplines to plan and execute integrated marketing efforts that support recruitment retention and brand awareness.
Optimize digital content for search engines (on-page SEO) and accessibility to maximize reach and engagement.

Brand Management

Develop refine and steward the brands voice setting direction for key messaging and hierarchy while tailoring tone and specificity by audience.
Ensure all written content adheres to the institutions brand guidelines messaging strategy and editorial standards.
Model and coach contributors on you-focused benefit-first messaging reinforcing consistent use across deliverables.

Project Management

Develop relationships and build trust with campus stakeholders to better communicate the value of our programs and offerings.
Manage reviews and deadlines incorporate feedback efficiently and keep work moving to approval.

Supervision/Leadership

Coach distributed writers and content contributors by providing timely and actionable feedback.
Lead or participate in trainings and workshops on brand voice messaging application web writing patterns on-page SEO and/or accessibility.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility technical competencies and desirable qualifications please contact Libby Kleppe at

Required Qualifications

Masters degree in English Journalism Marketing Communications Advertising or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in marketing writing/brand messaging with measurable outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic writer representing and applying a brands voice and tone with authority clarity and consistency and providing direction for key messaging across audiences and channels.
Experience developing or applying messaging frameworks that clarify message hierarchy audience priorities and decision paths across channels.
Demonstrated ability to use audience research and performance signals (SEO analytics testing) to inform messaging decisions and strengthen copy.
Skilled at integrating stories testimonials and proof points to substantiate claims and build trust.
Experience writing user-focused action-oriented web copy within structured website environments using templates content models and standard navigation patterns to drive clarity usability and next-step actions.
Understanding of conversion paths and how different page types (informational program landing) support the user journey with calls to action matched to each.
Experience working directly in or within the context of a CMS such as WordPress or Drupal.
Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams so content and design work together to create a seamless experience.
Strong command of language and style with the ability to balance brevity with necessary detail self-edit with care and proofread for accuracy.
Applicants must include a link for an online portfolio that includes 8-12 samples that represent the quality relevance creativity and range of applicants work.

Desired Qualifications

Experience planning and executing complex large-scale website redesigns.
Ability to build and maintain style guides and messaging toolkits that scale across teams.
Experience implementing comprehensive content strategies and using content matrices for efficient scalable content production.
Ability to write and structure content to meet WCAG 2.1 AA across web pages and accessible PDFs.
Proven ability to navigate complex organizations align stakeholders secure decisions and remove roadblocks to delivery.

Application and Position Details

In order to be considered for an interview applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a Relevant File to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Link for an online portfolio including 8-12 samples
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions please contact Libby Kleppe at

Benefits Highlights

Regular salaried position. Pay level 5A. Located in Iowa City Iowa.
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health dental life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
For more information about Why Iowa Click here.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community where your work directly impacts education research and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage university-paid life insurance robust retirement plans and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services well-being resources and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training leadership development and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium Big Ten athletics top-ranked public schools and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

Compensation

Contact Information

Required Experience:

Manager