Senior Communications Strategist

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Iowa State University is seeking a Senior Communications Strategist (Communications Specialist III) for the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine in Iowa and Nebraska a National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine helping power the future of biomanufacturing in Americas agricultural heartland.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer this position serves as the communications leader for the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine in Iowa and Nebraska. As a member of the RuralSTAMINA leadership team the Senior Communications Strategist will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens partnerships demonstrates impact and elevates RuralSTAMINAs visibility across regional state and national audiences.

RuralSTAMINA connects research manufacturing workforce development entrepreneurship and industry partnerships to transform agricultural resources into higher-value products strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains create competitive jobs and expand economic opportunity across Iowa and Nebraska. The Senior Communications Strategist will play a foundational role in building RuralSTAMINAs communications program establishing its brand messaging and public positioning and telling stories that inspire collaboration attract new partners and demonstrate the Engines impact.

This is a unique opportunity to help build the communications foundation for a nationally recognized innovation initiative from its earliest stages shaping how RuralSTAMINA engages partners policymakers industry and communities for years to come.

Working closely with leadership researchers partner organizations workforce development leaders and external communications vendors this position develops and implements communications strategies that align with organizational priorities and NSF expectations. The Senior Communications Strategist establishes and maintains RuralSTAMINAs brand messaging and public positioning; translates complex scientific and technical information into compelling communications; and ensures consistent messaging across a diverse network of partners and stakeholders.

Build Strategic Communications Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that advances RuralSTAMINAs mission organizational priorities and NSF expectations.

Build RuralSTAMINAs Brand and Public Positioning Establish and maintain RuralSTAMINAs brand messaging and public positioning and develop compelling stories that communicate the Engines vision opportunities and impact.

Communicate Complex Information Translate scientific technical manufacturing workforce development and economic development information into clear engaging communications for industry policymakers funding agencies partners rural communities and the public.

Lead Multi-Channel Communications and Public Engagement Develop and execute communications across websites newsletters email campaigns social media presentations reports media relations events exhibits and other public-facing communications.

Support Executive and Stakeholder Communications Advise the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team on communications strategy messaging presentations media engagement legislative outreach and stakeholder communications.

Support Strategic Events and External Engagement Develop communications presentations displays exhibits and visual materials that support conferences legislative visits industry events partner meetings community engagement and other regional and national outreach opportunities. Collaborate with leadership to ensure RuralSTAMINA presents a consistent and compelling presence with policymakers industry leaders funding agencies and strategic partners.

Strengthen Partner Engagement Coordinate communications across partner organizations and collaborate with external communications marketing and public relations vendors to ensure consistent messaging effective outreach and alignment across the Engine.

Demonstrate Organizational Impact Develop communication materials that highlight partnerships research workforce development technology commercialization entrepreneurship and regional economic impact for state federal industry and public audiences.

Exercise Independent Judgment Manage multiple priorities while producing high-quality communications in a fast-paced collaborative and highly visible environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Communications Public Relations Journalism Marketing or a related field.
• Experience developing and executing communications for scientific technological or economic development initiatives related to biomanufacturing biotechnology advanced manufacturing or the bioeconomy
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans for a complex organization initiative or multi-partner collaboration.
• Experience developing and executing communications across multiple platforms including websites email campaigns social media presentations reports and media relations.
• Experience translating scientific technical manufacturing economic development or policy information into communications for non-technical audiences.
• Experience advising organizational or executive leadership on communications strategy messaging stakeholder engagement or public relations.
• Experience coordinating communications across multiple organizations or collaborating with external communications marketing or public relations vendors.

For more information about RuralSTAMINA please visit:

Home - NSF RuralSTAMINA

This is a fixed term position with an end date of 7/31/2028. Potential renewal contingent on future funding.

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 Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration applications should be received byAugust 23 2026.

Why 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 plans
• Generous vacation holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process please email or call or Toll Free: 1-.

Iowa 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. email .

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.