About the Iowa Department for the Blind and Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled:
The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is program within the Iowa Department for the
Blind. The library provides Iowans resources, programming, and accessible reading materials for those who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio, braille, or large print. Our Instructional Materials Center provides Iowa students with accessible educational materials.
About this Opportunity:
The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Information Specialist I to support the library’s mission of connecting the community with programs, services, and lifelong learning. This position performs professional communication and public information work, helping to develop, produce, and distribute materials that promote library services, programs, and initiatives to the public and media. The successful candidate will create content for print, web, and social media platforms; maintain consistent branding and messaging; and collaborate with staff across programs to highlight the library’s impact and value to the community.
What We’re Looking For:
An outstanding writer and communicator with experience creating marketing materials such as news releases, newsletters and digital content.
A detail-oriented professional who ensures accuracy, consistency, and clarity in every project.
A creative and strategic thinker who can turn complex information into compelling stories.
An initiative-driven team member with a proactive approach and curiosity to tackle new challenges.
Key Responsibilities:
Writing, Editing, and Content Development
Researching, planning, writing, editing, and publishing informational and promotional materials such as news releases, newsletters, brochures, articles, and presentations.
Drafting reports, articles, and news releases that communicate agency programs and services.
Designs informational materials, takes photographs, proofreads content, and coordinates production, and develops public information projects to enhance community understanding of library initiatives.
Digital and Social Media Communications
Implementing and maintaining the library’s blog and learning management system content.
Implementing and maintaining social media presence across multiple platforms, including developing and posting content that promotes library programs and services.
Updating and maintaining website and mobile application content using content management software, creating digital graphics, and ensuring event calendars remain current.
Outreach and Public Engagement
Preparing or assisting with multimedia presentations, radio or television segments, and representing the library at meetings and events.
Participating in the planning and implementing of library programs and outreach as needed.
Organizing and conducting tours that promote understanding and support for library programs and services.
Participating in library and Department projects, programs and meetings.
Collaboration
Collaborating with other agencies or organizations on public information material.
Collaborating in joint communication efforts across the Department
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.
2) Four 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.
3) A total of four years of education (as described in number one) and/or full-time experience (as described in number two), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time.