Social Media & Digital Strategist - Information Specialist 2

Social Media & Digital Strategist - Information Specialist 2

Salary

$51,979.20 - $77,708.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01203

Agency

285 Iowa PBS

Opening Date

10/27/2026

Closing Date

11/11/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

humanresources@iowapbs.org

To Apply

• Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter and resume.
• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Please note: This is NOT an IT position.

Social Media & Digital Strategist

Why Iowa PBS?

Join the driving force behind Iowas statewide public broadcasting network! Iowa PBS is home to a dedicated team of approximately 100 full and part-time employees committed to delivering engaging local programs, comprehensive broadcast services, and impactful educational initiatives. Our mission is powered by our highly-qualified, diverse, and talented staff, who are key to our success. At Iowa PBS, we prioritize career development and foster a community that values each member as our most precious resource.

Position Overview:

Iowa PBS is seeking a creative and strategic Social Media & Digital Strategist to lead the network's social media presence and digital audience engagement across platforms. This role develops and executes social media strategies that grow awareness, strengthen audience relationships and connect Iowans with Iowa PBS programs, stories, services and mission. The position creates and publishes engaging content, manages social media channels, monitors trends and audience conversations, and uses performance data to continuously improve social media strategy and content. The Social Media Strategist works closely with teams across Iowa PBS to develop timely, platform-specific content that reflects the network's voice and priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Social Media Strategy & Management

• Develop and execute organic and paid social media strategies that support Iowa PBS programming, campaigns, initiatives and audience goals across relevant platforms.
• Manage Iowa PBS social media channels and advertising campaigns, including content planning, publishing, audience targeting, campaign optimization and day-to-day channel management.
• Monitor social media trends, platform changes and audience behaviors to identify opportunities and inform strategy.

Content Creation & Storytelling

• Create and coordinate engaging, platform-specific content including written posts, graphics, photography, short-form video, reels, stories and other digital formats.
• Adapt Iowa PBS programs, stories and initiatives for social audiences and collaborate with producers, talent, designers and other staff to develop timely content and campaigns.

Audience Engagement & Community Management

• Monitor and respond to audience comments, questions and messages, fostering meaningful relationships with viewers, partners and communities while escalating issues as appropriate.
• Identify audience interests, conversations and trends to strengthen engagement and inform Iowa PBS content and outreach.

Analytics & Advertising

• Manage social media advertising budgets and campaigns, using audience insights and performance data to optimize reach, engagement and other campaign goals.
• Analyze organic and paid social performance and provide regular reporting, recommendations and insights to improve content and strategy.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with communications, marketing, production, education, development, digital and other teams to support organizational priorities and ensure consistent messaging across social media.
• Provide social media expertise and guidance to Iowa PBS staff, talent and partners and support integrated marketing and communications campaigns.

Additional Duties

• Support Iowa PBS's mission to educate, inform, enrich and inspire the people of Iowa.
• Travel statewide and occasionally out of state to capture content and support Iowa PBS productions, events and other activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

Joining the Iowa PBS team and becoming a State of Iowa employee comes with a range of valuable benefits, including:

• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including nine paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave accrual.
• Prepare for the future with the IPERS retirement package, as well as an additional optional deferred compensation retirement plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Free Life and Long-term Disability Insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programs and Discount Programs for support.

Click here to learn more about all of the amazing benefits the State of Iowa offers.

Join Us!

At Iowa PBS, youll have the chance to shape the future of our programming and production while working with a passionate and talented team. If you are enthusiastic about public broadcasting and have the expertise to lead our programming and production efforts, we invite you to apply. Help us create inspiring content that makes a difference in the lives of Iowans.

Visit our careers page here to learn more about our organization.

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 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.

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

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 285 Iowa PBS Address 6450 Corporate Dr

PO Box 6450

Johnston, Iowa, 50131

Website http://www.iowapbs.org/