| Job Description : |
Job Description
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is a state agency with oversight of the following areas: the State Historical Society of Iowa, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Iowa Arts Council, Produce Iowa – State Office of Film and Media Production, and interim Iowa Humanities Council. Together, these divisions strive to fulfill the mission to empower Iowans to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting to the people, places and points of pride that define our state.
Position Summary
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs seeks a qualified candidate to join its professional staff and serve as its Graphic Designer and Website Manager.
The Graphic Designer and Website Manager designs, develops, manages and implements all digital marketing and communications vehicles to promote the programs and services provided by DCA, its divisions and other special initiatives.
The Graphic Designer and Website Manager designs and develops visual elements of the DCA website, Iowa Culture mobile app, social media platforms and various printed materials in order to inform the public about various DCA programs and resources. This person also oversees and implements all graphic design that reflects a consistent brand and identity through logos, design, images, and photography.
This position is responsible for publicly disseminating information about the activities of the department through digital tools, the website, newspapers and partner websites, advertising, printed materials, brochures, publications, and all other media. He or she is also responsible for communicating department information, as guided, and advising management on digital marketing and public relations implications of management decisions.
Role and Responsibilities
This position requires a candidate with demonstrated experience in project management, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and excellent communications skills.
The Graphic Designer and Website Manager will:
Serve as the Department’s Brand Manager
Manage and create artwork from concept to completion for all digital and print communications and signage.
Obtain printing and project estimates and manage the production process with vendors; approve final products; work with media outlets and other governmental agencies to coordinate advertising and promotional opportunities.
Manage the department’s photo library and collaborate with the special collections team on historic photo usage in communication and marketing materials.
Train, instruct, consult and collaborate with DCA team members on the following:
development of small- to medium-size exhibitions and design artwork and brand identity for exhibits
answer questions, providing insight and advice on effectiveness, limitations and cost considerations of design techniques used in digital, print and multi-media presentations
use of website and mobile app content management systems and technical standards
Manage all aspects of the Department’s website
Design digital user interfaces for the web and mobile applications and ensure all digital design interfaces meet all standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, design usability and department brand.
Manage the technical development and content strategy for the department’s website, mobile applications and electronic newsletters and email communications.
Act as the department liaison for the web development vendor for ongoing maintenance, updates and technical issues related to the website and mobile applications.
Manage and execute content updates to the website and mobile applications using the website content management system, Drupal, as well as other programs as applicable (Adobe Dreamweaver, HTML, HTML5, CSS, PHP and JavaScript). Develop and manage content maintenance schedules.
Review and edit the website, mobile app, e-newsletter and mass email content and coding for grammar, writing style and technical compliance. Report out and analyze website, mobile app and email/e-newsletter analytics to monitor behavior and campaign effectiveness. Based on analytics and trends, identify opportunities to improve content, structure, design, user experience and audience engagement.
Research and develop content/photography for website, mobile app, email and e-newsletters
Act as a key member of the communication’s team
Develop new communications project initiatives and strategies in collaboration with the Communications Manager.
Assist with developing communication goals and objectives for department communication projects and initiatives.
Design, edit and review communication materials.
Oversee, develop and expand digital and print communication/marketing vehicles (website, mobile applications, e-newsletters, emails, social media, forms, collateral, signage, video).
This is a full-time, permanent position. It is expected that the incumbent will maintain a routine schedule of 40 hours per week, primarily at the State Historical Building in Des Moines. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Conditions of Employment
Applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, and sample of work to their application. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.
It is the policy of this state to provide equal opportunity in state employment to all persons. An individual shall not be denied equal access to state employment opportunities because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or physical or mental disability.
To be eligible for consideration for the position, it is required that you apply through the State of Iowa Job Board.
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. (Download PDF reader)
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.
Join Us!
Whether it’s caring for those in need, making highways safer, or improving agriculture production, the work that we do matters to the people of Iowa.We take our responsibilities and the public trust very seriously. We are committed to delivering the services that matter most to the people of Iowa. If you have the skills, the commitment and the desire to make a difference, then we invite you to explore the career opportunities available with the State of Iowa.Career Choices
State government is one of the largest employers in Iowa, and also one of the most diverse. From state trooper to nurse to engineer, the state offers a wide variety of career opportunities.Benefits
The state offers paid vacation, sick time and holidays, a defined benefit retirement plan, health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance along with flexible spending accounts. For more information, please visit the executive branch employee benefits website.
The State of Iowa is committed to providing an outstanding employment experience. Check out this Benefits Beyond the Paycheck brochure (Download PDF reader). |
