Communication Specialist (Information Specialist 3)

Communication Specialist (Information Specialist 3)

Salary

$63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00540

Agency

427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

Opening Date

08/24/2026

Closing Date

9/7/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Aaron Baack - aaron.baack@dia.iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking a collaborative and enthusiastic professional to join our regulatory department, serving as a Communication Specialist (Information Specialist 3) within our Administration Division at our central office campus near Valley Junction in Des Moines, Iowa.

Who We Are

DIAL is a multifaceted regulatory agency charged with protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Iowans, and is comprised of eight core operational divisions: Administration, Administrative Hearings, Building & Construction, Health & Safety, Investigations, OSHA, Professional Licensing, and Workers' Compensation.

DIAL's mission is Achieve Compliance through Education, Regulation, and Due Process for a Safe and Healthy Iowa. Our goal is to be an effective, efficient and approachable regulatory agency. To accomplish our mission, the individual selected for this position will work within our Communications team to implement the strategic communications plan, manage social media content, implement public relations programs, and craft communications that represent our department.

What We're Seeking

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer of the department and under the guidance of the Public Information Officer, the Communication Specialist ensures professional delivery of high-quality communication and public relations services. The successful candidate for this critical position is a creative, motivated, and organized professional who works well with team members at all levels of the organization. The position is be located in our headquarters located at 6200 Park Avenue near West Des Moines. Desired skills and abilities include:

• Working proficiency with Microsoft Office products, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and editing software
• Possesses a high level of organization skills
• Experience with Drupal platform content management
• Displays high standards of professional conduct
• Detail-oriented and is highly responsive to colleagues and stakeholders
• Works collaboratively with a diverse group of people
• Commits to providing a high-quality service

What You'll Do

You will be an integral member of our team, providing communications assistance to the department in support of the agency's operations by:

• Managing the department strategic communications plan
• Developing social media strategies and content
• Developing and delivering content to media representatives and the general public
• Writing, designing, and editing press releases, program manuals, toolkits, reports, etc.
• Utilizing metrics in the preparation of strategic recommendations

What We Offer

When you join DIAL, you help to make Iowa safer and healthier while enjoying an outstanding benefits package! In addition to providing a positive work environment, we offer a great compensation package for all our full-time employees, including:

• Excellent pay and robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance
• Teleworking options after the first six months
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual
• Opportunities for professional development
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package
• Optional 401A plan with employer contribution.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center

For additional information on benefits click here. Excited to pursue the next step in your career? Apply today!

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 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.

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 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 planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking.

• Not applicable - I do not have a Bachelors Degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications
• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than two years of experience in the identified areas
• Two years to less than four years of experience in the identified areas
• Four or more years of experience in the identified areas

04

All of the following (a and b): a. Do you have 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. Do you have a combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of fulltime experience. Note - total experience and education from "a" and "b" must equal a minimum of 8 years

• Yes
• No

05

How many years do you have of a combination of postgraduate coursework in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications AND 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? (24 semester hours of graduate course work equals one year of experience.)

• Not applicable - I have none of the identified experience and education
• Less than four years of the identified experience and education
• Four years or more of the identified experience and education

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 2 for the State of Iowa?

• No experience as an Information Specialist 2
• Less than 18 months of full-time work as an Information Specialist 2
• More than 18 months of full-time work as an Information Specialist 2
• Not applicable - I am not a state employee for the State of Iowa

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing Address 6200 Park Avenue; Suite 1

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website https://dia.iowa.gov/