Choose Iowa Marketing Specialist - Polk Co

Choose Iowa Marketing Specialist - Polk Co

Salary

$56,305.60 - $85,342.40 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00009

Agency

009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

beth.romer@iowaagriculture.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is seeking a creative, strategic, and results-driven professional to join the growing Choose Iowa team as a Choose Iowa Marketing Specialist.

This role is an exciting opportunity to help expand awareness of Iowa-grown, Iowa-raised, and Iowa-made food, beverage, and agricultural products while supporting local producers, rural communities, and Iowa's agricultural economy.

As the state's official brand for identifying and promoting Iowa ag products, Choose Iowa connects consumers with local farms and small businesses and helps strengthen food systems across the state. If you are passionate about marketing, storytelling, agriculture, and making a meaningful impact, this position offers the chance to build something that matters.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Help grow a statewide brand that supports Iowa farmers, producers, and communities
• Lead creative campaigns that increase consumer awareness and engagement
• Combine strategy, storytelling, events, and digital marketing in one impactful role
• Collaborate with leaders, industry partners, and community organizations across Iowa
• Use your marketing skills to strengthen local food systems and rural economies

What You'll Do

Lead Marketing & Brand Strategy

• Develop and execute marketing strategies that build Choose Iowa brand awareness
• Manage paid advertising campaigns, budgets, vendor coordination, and performance reporting
• Measure return on investment and recommend improvements based on results
• Ensure marketing efforts align with agency priorities and program goals

Drive Content & Storytelling

• Oversee content planning and creation across multiple channels and tactics including social media, website, email, print, and multimedia
• Write and edit marketing materials including website copy, press releases, fact sheets, presentations, and campaign messaging
• Create editorial calendars, conduct content audits, and optimize performance across platforms
• Showcase Iowa ag products and producers through compelling storytelling

Manage Digital Presence

• Lead website updates, landing pages, SEO efforts, and user engagement strategies
• Support e-commerce tools, email marketing, and CRM-related outreach efforts
• Analyze audience behavior and campaign performance to improve results

Coordinate Outreach & Events

• Plan and promote signature Choose Iowa events such as the Farm Store Crawl and Fall Crawl
• Coordinate Choose Iowa participation in trade shows, conferences, meetings, and public events
• Build awareness through strategic partnerships and community engagement

Support Program Growth

• Manage special projects that expand Choose Iowa visibility and impact
• Stay current on food, agriculture, tourism, and marketing trends
• Perform related duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• Experience developing and managing paid advertising or communications campaigns
• Brand management experience with a focus on growth and ROI
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills
• Robust graphic design and digital media editing talents
• Excellent organization and project management abilities
• Experience using analytics to guide marketing decisions
• Creative problem-solving and strategic thinking skills
• Technical Skills Helpful for Success:
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Canva
• Photography and videography
• Social media management platforms
• Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Drupal, HTML, or website management tools
• CRM or customer engagement systems (preferred)

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time position
• Monday through Friday schedule
• Occasional evening or weekend events
• Some travel required
• Based in Des Moines at the Hoover Building - not virtual

Why Join IDALS & the State of Iowa?

Working for the State of Iowa means contributing to work that strengthens communities, supports agriculture, and protects the wellbeing of Iowans and their animals.

As a State employee, you'll enjoy:

• Work That Matters - Support Iowa's agriculture and animal health systems
• Stability & Purpose - Meaningful public service career
• Professional Growth - Opportunities to learn, develop, and advance

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, and jury duty leave
• Low out-of-pocket, high-quality medical insurance options
• Dental insurance - single coverage at no cost
• IPERS Retirement plus state-matched deferred compensation program
• Basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Optional supplemental insurance plans

Learn more about State of Iowa benefits on our careers website: State of Iowa Benefits

How to Apply

The State of Iowa uses NEOGOV to accept and process applications and is an E-Verify employer.

Visit the State of Iowa Careers page and apply under Jobs Open to All Applicants.

Applicants should upload and attach a resume and cover letter in the Attachments section of the application.

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) Six years of full-time work experience in farm management, livestock production and sales, livestock reporting, grain elevator sales, agricultural commodity brokerage, or in promotions or marketing work associated with agricultural commodities or products.

2) All of the following (a and b):

a. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in marketing, economics, business administration, statistics, agronomy, horticulture, or animal science equals one year of full-time experience; and

b. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in marketing, economics, business administration, statistics, agronomy, horticulture, or animal science equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Livestock Marketing Specialist or other position involving collecting, compiling, and disseminating agricultural market data.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to complete the Market News Reporter Training sponsored by the USDA Market News Service.

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-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. 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.

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 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

Do you have six years of full-time work experience in farm management, livestock production and sales, livestock reporting, grain elevator sales, agricultural commodity brokerage, or in promotions or marketing work associated with agricultural commodities or products?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you meet A and B: A. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in marketing, economics, business administration, statistics, agronomy, horticulture, or animal science equals one year of full-time experience; and B. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in marketing, economics, business administration, statistics, agronomy, horticulture, or animal science equals one year of full-time experience

• Yes - I meet A and B
• I do not meet A and B

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - How many months do you have of full-time work in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Livestock Marketing Specialist or other position involving collecting, compiling, and disseminating agricultural market data?

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I am a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch - but have less than eighteen months of full-time work as a Livestock Marketing Specialist or other position involving collecting, compiling, and disseminating agricultural market data
• I am a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch - and have eighteen months or more of full-time work as a Livestock Marketing Specialist or other position involving collecting, compiling, and disseminating agricultural market data

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Address 1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/