Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer

Salary

$51,979.20 - $77,708.80 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03498

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

06/26/2026

Closing Date

7/12/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Jenny Butcher - Jenny.Butcher@iowadot.us

To Apply

Please submit two sample pieces: a logo design and a page layout design. These materials should reflect your design style and ability to communicate information clearly and effectively.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Bring your creative energy to a role where your design skills make an impact. As a Graphic Designer on the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of the Director team, you'll help shape eye-catching communication pieces that connect with audiences across the state.

Join us as our next Information Specialist 2!

This role is essential in helping Iowans understand the work we do. You'll produce high-quality visual communication materials, both print and digital, that enhance transparency, public engagement, and agency brand identity. Through these communications, you will uphold our mission of Making Lives Better Through Transportation and will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa Department of Transportation's five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

As a Graphic Designer (Information Specialist 2), your work will span a variety of creative and communication services, including, but not limited to:

• Create engaging print and digital materials, such as brochures, reports, infographics, maps, and online graphics, that help the public understand Iowa DOT projects and initiatives.
• Partner with internal teams to learn their communication goals and develop creative solutions that connect with the right audiences.
• Lead multiple design and communication projects at once by organizing timelines, balancing priorities, and ensuring on-time delivery.
• Ensure every communication product is easy to understand, visually consistent, accessible to all Iowans (ADA), and aligned with agency branding.
• Prepare polished, production-ready files and collaborate with printers, vendors, photographers, and contractors to bring projects to life.
• Stay current with design tools, creative trends, and accessibility best practices to keep improving how we share information with the public.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
• Experience in video production, editing, and animation a plus
• Strong layout, typography, and visual storytelling abilities
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple ? deadlines

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment, and costs can be reviewed here.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply now!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: aa-eeo@iowadot.us

Reasonable accommodation such as interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

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 and experience equal to two years of full-time work planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking.

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

a. Two 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; and

b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of fulltime experience.

3) Number two above, where twenty-four semester hours of postgraduate coursework in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required full-time work experience.

4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 18 months of full-time work as an Information Specialist 1.

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

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-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

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelors Degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking?

• No, I do not have a Bachelors Degree in the identified areas
• No experience in the identified areas
• One years to less two two years of the required experience
• Two years or more of the required experience

04

Do you have two 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? If YES - How many years do you have of COMBINED education in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications AND/OR full-time experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? Thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of experience.

• Not applicable, I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Two years but less than three years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas
• Three years but less than four years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas
• Four years or more of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

05

Do you have a COMBINATION of two years of postgraduate coursework in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications from an accredited college or university AND/OR full-time work experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? 24 semester hours of postgraduate course work equals one year of experience. Applicants may substitute up to a MAXIMUM of 24 semester hours or one year of education and must have at least one year of the required experience.

If you answered YES to the above question - How many years do you have of COMBINED education in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications and/or full-time experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? Thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of experience.

• NA- Not applicable, I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Two years but less than three years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas
• Three years but less than four years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas
• Four years or more of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

06

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch), how many months do you have of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• Six months to less than 12 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa
• 12 months to less than 18 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa
• 18 months or more of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa

07

To best answer the questions, focus on one specific situation/task in as much detail as possible and avoid generic responses. Please submit two sample pieces: a logo design and a page layout design. These materials should reflect your design style and ability to communicate information clearly and effectively.

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/