Summary
This role involves creating and sharing clear information about utility regulations through websites, social media, newsletters, and public events to help everyday people understand and engage with the Iowa Utilities Commission.
You'll work closely with a team to manage communications projects, ensure everything is easy to access and read, and represent the agency at community gatherings.
It's ideal for someone who loves writing, speaking to groups, and simplifying complicated topics while handling multiple tasks in a government setting.
Full Job Description
Information Specialist 3
Please note: This is NOT an IT position.
About Us:
The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) is a public agency dedicated to promoting transparency, accessibility, and accountability in utility regulation. Our work ensures Iowans are informed and engaged in the regulatory processes that affect their daily lives. Through effective communication, we build trust with the public, foster meaningful relationships with stakeholders, and support informed decision-making at every level. As a member of our team, you’ll help bring clarity and connection to complex topics that impact communities across the state.
What You’ll Do:
Working with the Communications Director, you’ll play a critical role in developing, delivering, and managing strategic communications that support our mission, uphold State of Iowa standards, and serve both public and internal audiences. In this role, you will:
- Develop and publish clear, accurate, and engaging public information via the agency website, social media, newsletters, and official reports.
- Ensure all external communications meet accessibility, readability, and performance metrics in accordance with State guidelines.
- Act as a liaison with State partners (IGOV, DOM DoIT, and vendors) for web content updates and technical features.
- Provide content for the quarterly newsletter, managing assignments, writing, and editing.
- Assist with internal communications, including intranet content and creation of templates, to ensure consistency and alignment with agency messaging.
- Coordinate and/or support the production of agency publications, including the annual report, operational plan reporting, FAQs, talking points, and fact sheets.
- Represent the agency at public meetings, hearings, community events, and interagency communications initiatives.
- Conduct educational sessions and public tours to improve understanding of utility topics and the agency’s role.
Who We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented communicator who thrives in a public service environment. You are confident speaking to diverse audiences, comfortable managing multiple communication projects, and adept at translating complex topics into clear, relatable messages. You're a collaborative team player with a proactive mindset and a passion for making public information accessible and impactful.
Your Competencies:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Strong understanding of branding, readability, accessibility, and public engagement best practices.
- Ability to create strategic communications plans and assess effectiveness through data and analytics.
- Experience supporting or leading public relations, media relations, or stakeholder outreach initiatives.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.
Proficiency in digital platforms including website content management systems, social media, and newsletter tools. - Comfortable in both independent and collaborative work environments.
- Knowledge of state government operations, policy reporting, or utility regulation is preferred, but not required
We Value You:
At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no limits on sick leave accrual.
- Great Benefits: Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance options, and free life insurance.
- Retirement Plan: IPERS retirement package and an optional deferred compensation plan.
- Flexibility: Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care).
- Support: Employee Assistance and Employee Discount programs.
To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our
benefits webpage.
Why Join Us:At the Iowa Utilities Commission, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a mission-driven career that makes a difference. We foster a supportive and innovative work environment where your contributions directly benefit Iowa communities and promote a sustainable energy future.
Don’t miss this chance to shape the energy future of Iowa;
review the job qualifications and apply now!
At the IUC, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our team.
The Iowa Utilities Commission is an equal opportunity employer.
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.
Qualifications
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 four 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. 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; 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 2.
For additional information, please click on this
link to view the job description.