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| Saturday, November 22, 2008 |
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| Professional Development Seminar |
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| A tale of wonder, wisdom and wishes |
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Employers: Looking for your next PR employee? Check out our resumes.
If you are looking for a qualified professional to fill a position, start with the Central Iowa PRSA Job Bank. We offer competitive rates to a target audience. Rates are $25 for member postings and $35 for non-member postings.
Submit a listing |
Jobs
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| Posted: 2008-11-14 | Public Relations Executive
AKC Marketing, located in Johnston, Iowa, has an immediate opening for a public relations executive to manage several well-known agricultural accounts. Job responsibilities include: developing and managing strategic public relations plans; managing trade media relations; writing news releases and feature stories; and assisting with advertising and copywriting as needed. Qualified candidates will have a degree in journalism and mass communications, with an emphasis in public relations or a related field. Three to five years of experience in agricultural public relations is required. AKC Marketing offers a comprehensive benefit package, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401k and PTO time. Please send résumés to humanresources@akcmarketing.com. Please visit us at www.akcmarketing.com.
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| | Posted: 2008-11-04 | Public Affairs Specialist
PolicyWorks is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist. PolicyWorks is a consulting firm providing public affairs, government affairs, and grassroots advocacy services to their clients. The successful candidate will primarily engage in media relations activities: writing media releases, articles, plans and other materials; pitching stories to print, broadcast, and new media; and organizing and managing media events.
The qualified candidate will possess a B.A. in a communications-related major and one to two years of related experience. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong leadership ability, and extensive knowledge of technology are required. Previous work experience around politics or government a plus.
We offer a competitive salary plus an excellent benefits package that includes matching employee contributions to 401(k). If you fit our qualifications, please send your resume, three marketing samples & salary requirements to:
Shawn Culver
PolicyWorks
1500 NW 118th St
Des Moines, IA 50325
Fax: 515-221-3010
shawnc@themembersgroup.com
www.policyworksllc.com
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| | Posted: 2008-10-30 | Metro Waste Authority (MWA) is now taking applications for Public Relations Intern ($12 per hour)
Metro Waste Authority is the leader in environmental stewardship and cost-effective waste management. We are an award-winning regional government agency that manages five facilities and numerous programs serving more than one million Iowans. We work with regulators, city leaders, elected officials, private businesses, and residents. MWA is a small organization, which means as an intern, you have a unique opportunity to shine. Get your hands dirty (sometimes literally!) in this internship – you’ll walk away with a portfolio full of design and writing samples, promotional items, great references, and more. Our interns are full members of our team and we look forward to welcoming you!
Application Deadline: November 26, 2008
Submit cover letter, resume, one-page writing sample, and one-page graphic design sample. In your cover letter, be sure to describe your role(s) in producing the submitted samples. Send all materials to Metro Waste Authority, Public Relations Internship, 300 E. Locust St., Ste. 100, Des Moines, IA 50309; fax: 515-244-9477; e-mail: rme@mwatoday.com.
Experience in special events coordination, copywriting, community relations, advertising, project management, planning, research, web site maintenance, graphic design, working with vendors, developing proposals, media relations, presentations, strategy sessions, and general administration. You’ll build a great portfolio, and have fun doing it!
- A professional demeanor
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, energetic, team-oriented environment
- Strong project management and organizational skills to prioritize, track, meet deadlines for simultaneous projects, and keep supervisors informed of progress
- Ability to work effectively and comfortably in team settings and one-on-one situations
- Ability to take initiative to accomplish tasks with little supervision
- Ability to successfully work with employees and others at all levels
- Familiarity with and understanding of AP Style
- Superb oral communication skills
- Excellent writing skills
- Experience with Adobe InDesign for creating fliers, brochures, etc.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
- Previous experience with public relations in a professional setting (internship, volunteer, etc.)
- Must be a college junior or senior working toward a four-year degree in public relations, or a recent college graduate in communications, public relations, or marketing from an accredited school or university
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel between MWA facilities.
- Qualified candidates must be able to work minimum of 20 hours per week with a maximum of 40 hours per week January through May 2008 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. An earlier start date (earlier than January) may be possible. You must be available in minimum 4-hour time blocks to be considered. Office location is in the thriving East Village neighborhood.
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| | Posted: 2008-10-28 | Segment Communications Manager, Channel Partners, Wellmark BlueCross BlueShield
Division/Dept: Marketing & Business Strategy/Corporate & Marketing Communications
Location: Des Moines
Job Summary
The Segment Communications Manager, Channel Partners is responsible for developing and executing communications programs that advances Wellmark’s business objectives and is designed to educate, motivate and inform the company’s diverse sales channels. The incumbent provides guidance and expertise in developing effective and measurable communication strategies to assist Sales leadership in achieving sales goals. The incumbent is also responsible for planning, creating and producing a variety of communications materials to support overall corporate Marketing & Sales goals. This position has accountability for the ongoing development of electronic channels of communication (e-newsletters, etc.) and Web site (intranet/internet) content serving the marketing channels. All marketing channels are supported by this job function including indirect and direct marketing staff, all health markets (group, individual, med supp), and non-health product/service offerings such as flex, dental and financial services products. To be successful, the incumbent will possess the ability to synthesize information to create and convey clear and concise messages with the highest impact.
Job Accountabilities
1. Reports to Team Leader, Marketing Communications-Individual Markets, and works collaboratively to plan, develop, and execute communications programs that align with and support the organization’s distribution channel management strategy.
2. Serves as business partner for Marketing & Sales leadership responsible for channel management to assist in developing marketing communication strategies and plans that serve Wellmark’s distribution channel audiences, internal and external. Includes development of communications to support promotion of annual sales incentive trips, broker and agent meetings/conferences, miscellaneous broker or agent communications, etc.
3. Serves as hands-on account manager responsible for coordination of all Channel communications projects including sales collateral material, direct mail, newsletters, Web site content, public relations and advertising. Oversees execution of materials through shared services in Corporate & Marketing Communications including writing/editing support, design and production, web content management, advertising and public relations support.
4. Serves as editor of channel partner newsletters (Blue Briefings Online and Blue SalesLink) providing timely news and information and sales support needs of our diverse Marketing channels. Work with a network of interdepartmental subject matter experts, plan each issue, coordinate story ideas and selection, write and edit copy, oversee graphic design, and Web development, and coordinate distribution in a timely fashion. Strict adherence to deadlines is critical in the production of this newsletter to ensure timeliness of content.
5. Serves as managing editor of the Broker & Agent Portal (includes shopping cart management, marketing resource center, etc); Works in tandem with Sales & Marketing leadership to develop, execute and manage portal content and functionality. Plan, develop, and create marketing communications content for Wellmark’s Web sites (internet & intranet) with the goal of informing and educating our sales channels.
6. Supports the development of enhancements to Marketing Zone on Wellmark Web (intranet) for internal Sales & Marketing staff; work to integrate content in tandem with Broker & Agent Portal.
7. Facilitate and enhance the distribution of marketing communications materials to Wellmark’s internal sales force by developing interfaces that allow quick, convenient access to MC materials currently hosted on internal servers. Work closely with other Communications staff as needed to develop original content and re-purpose content from other marketing communications vehicles. Oversee the development of a robust online virtual sales toolkit for marketing channels.
8. Leads the C&MC core account team for the Channel partners composed of staff assigned to this segment to support writing/editorial, art direction, web content, channel partner communications, public relations and advertising. Develop team members’ understanding of the unique purchase and retention drivers of brokers, agents and consultants.
9. Works closely with other Segment Communications Managers in Corporate & Marketing Communications to ensure that consistent segment-specific/audience-specific positioning is being integrated into all communications to channel partners.
10. Develops mastery in understanding of Wellmark’s large group products and services. Ensures content compliance with Wellmark Style Manual, Iowa and South Dakota insurance regulations, NCQA regulations, CMS Marketing Guidelines, and any other applicable regulatory authority.
11. Other job duties as assigned.
Education
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Journalism/Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising, or Public Relations with 7 to 9 years prior experience in a corporate communications environment, marketing firm or advertising agency.
Preferred Licenses and Certifications
AMA, PRSA or other communications professional designation. Iowa or South Dakota health insurance license would be a plus.
Job Experience
1. Must have 7-9 years experience developing integrated marketing communication solutions with the proven ability to execute measurable outcomes.
2. Exceptional interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Ability to clearly articulate goals and expectations both verbally and in writing.
3. Demonstrated project leadership skills with a keen attention to detail and impeccable organizational skills to manage multiple, competing demands while maintaining a high quality product and garnering agreement on necessary reprioritization.
4. Ability to quickly grasp key points and synthesize information to create and convey a concise and clear message.
5. Proven ability to transform creative concepts into integrated marketing communications campaigns and solutions.
6. Proven ability to cultivate and manage key internal relationships to work collaboratively with committees and leadership to coordinate strategy and drive results.
7. Basic knowledge of branding, design and production methods for print and electronic.
8. Broad based computer system experience, especially those relating to the Web and inter/intranet applications and usage. Proficient in the use of Word, Project, Excel, and PowerPoint.
9. Ability to work well within a corporate environment is a must; ability to work collaboratively and build credibility with staff across the organization while maintaining the ability to be decisive and forthright in a consensus-drive professional environment.
10. Broad knowledge of health insurance products and services a plus, with an understanding of competitive sales and marketing strategies and techniques.
Interested applicants, please contact Nancy Pedersen at pedersenn@wellmark.com. |
| | Posted: 2008-10-22 | Assistant Director of Communications
The Iowa State University Foundation seeks a creative and highly motivated individual to join its team of accomplished professionals. The position will play a key role in the fundraising communications efforts for the largest campaign in Iowa State’s history. The assistant director is responsible for independently developing a variety of communications materials from concept to production of primarily feature articles on alumni and friends of Iowa State.
Position requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field and a minimum of two to four years of professional experience. Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent writing skills. The ability to manage these projects from concept to completion is needed. Experience in fundraising and/or higher education is highly desirable.
This position requires a strong, creative writer who is highly organized and deadline oriented, and who enjoys working on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with numerous stakeholders. Editing skills and experience in new media technology are desired.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
If you would like to join an accomplished and enthusiastic team of fundraising professionals, please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to: Kevin Stow, Human Resources, ISU Foundation, 2505 University Blvd., Ames, IA 50010 or by email to candyn@foundation.iastate.edu. Review of applicants will begin immediately and proceed until the position is filled. Candidates recommended for employment are subject to a background investigation.
For additional information regarding the Iowa State University Foundation, please visit our website at www.foundation.iastate.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer |
| | Posted: 2008-10-10 | Public Relations Account Coordinator at The Integer Group
Integer, one of the top promotional and retail marketing agencies in the U.S., is seeking a ACCOUNT COORDINATOR – PUBLIC RELATIONS. Qualified candidates will have one year of experience and/or two internships in progressive public relations or integrated marketing, as well as successful client-agency relationship skills. Attention to detail, a passion for quality and excellent writing and communication skills are a must. Candidates should have the ability to work in a fast-pace, multi-tasking environment. Solid writing skills and attention to detail are a must. Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or a related field is required. Integer, ranked by SHRM as a Top 25 Best Place to Work for in America for mid-size companies, provides excellent benefits and an inspiring work environment. This position is in our Des Moines, Iowa, office. Applicants can go to jobs.integer.com to apply online.
Please note: This is in addition to the Account Executive position, previously posted. |
| | Posted: 2008-10-03 | Corporate Communications Manager
Iowa Student Loan is seeking a Corporate Communications Manager. The main responsibility of the Corporate Communications Manager is to build, maintain and manage the reputation and image of Iowa Student Loan. This individual will serve as a full-time staff member working with all members of the senior management team to develop and execute corporate communication strategies and manage company media relations. The Corporate Communications Manager is the company’s primary contact for media inquiries and will develop recommendations for both response messaging and spokesperson or delivery methodology. In addition, the Corporate Communications Manager will develop strategic plans to ensure message alignment and communication plans to promote Iowa Student Loans programs, policies, people and mission.
Essential Duties:
Responsibilities vary, but may include: researching media inquiries; responding to media inquiries; write and develop news releases and other collateral material; manage public relations or advertising agencies that may be contracted with on a project basis; proactively plan for issues and develop accurate and appropriate materials that maximize public relations value and neutralize negative public relations impact, prepare both internal and external spokespersons to address issues or make presentations on behalf of Iowa Student Loan; take a leading role when issues and public relations problems arise; liaise with strategic partners to ensure public relations and public affairs program implementation is executed to plan; and assist with the corporation’s paid-media efforts. In addition, the Corporate Communications Manager may be called upon to serve as company spokesperson in defined instances.
Qualifications:
The candidate requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in Journalism, Communications, Finance or a related field. The Corporate Communications Manager must have a minimum of 4-5 years relevant communications experience on behalf of a public agency, municipality, association, corporation, public relations agency, or with a recognized media outlet.
Competencies/Skills:
• Ability to discuss strategic and sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality of proprietary or restricted information
• Work well under pressure ensuring tasks are prioritized and goals are met
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with colleagues and partners
• Remain calm in the face of difficulty
• Set goals, deadlines and plans to deliver information effectively
• Approach issues from a number of perspectives, summarizing data to draw a conclusion and make recommendation for action
• Experience using VOCUS public relations software to tailor media lists and assist with monitoring and analyzing company news coverage
Iowa Student Loan offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) and pension plan. If you are interested this opportunity in a friendly, fast-paced environment, please send your resume and salary history in confidence to:
Iowa Student Loan
Human Resources
6775 Vista Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50266-9307
E-Mail cbewyer@studentloan.org
Fax (515) 273-7260
Iowa Student Loan is an Equal Opportunity Employer |
| | Posted: 2008-09-29 | PR Internship - Des Moines Area Community College
Start Date: January 19 part time spring semester; full time summer 09
Salary: $10.05 an hour
Location: Marketing & Public Relations Office; Ankeny Campus
Job Description: The candidate will support the PR manager’s daily efforts to
promote and publicize Des Moines Area Community College programs, people and initiatives to the Central Iowa media and targeted industry press. Job duties include research and writing news releases, newsletters, brochures, TV news magazine stories, Web pages and internal communications; identify and research story ideas and pitch stories to the media; assist with news events and community outreach activities; photography; assist with job trafficking; support office activities.
Deadline: October 27, 2008
Contact: Send cover letter, resume and writing samples to:
Todd Jones
Marketing and Public Relations
DMACC
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, Iowa 50023-3993
tgjones@dmacc.edu
964-6242 |
| | Posted: 2008-09-10 | Senior Communications Associate, Hispanic Media
Use fluency in native Spanish, both written and spoken, to plan, design, develop and execute communication initiatives about ACT educational and workforce programs and services. Plan, design, develop, and execute media relations about ACT educational and workforce programs and services. Develop relationships with news media representatives, with an emphasis on Hispanic media, to effectively place ACT stories and promote ACT’s messages. Manage responses to external inquiries addressed to ACT by the media and other concerned parties. Serve as an ACT spokesperson with Hispanic news media and other groups, including but not limited to Hispanic organizations. Maintain strong knowledge of ACT education and workforce programs and services.
Typical work related activities include:
· Fluency in native Spanish, written and oral.
· Assist in the design and development of strategies for achieving specific marketing/promotional goals for ACT's educational
and workforce programs and services, with primary emphasis on the role of corporate communications in advancing the goals.
· Write clear and compelling statements, articles, news releases and speeches about issues pertinent to ACT's work. Develop press kits for ACT’s educational and workforce programs and services. Work with media representatives to convey such materials to the public, in general, and to targeted audiences.
· Write articles that convey effective uses of ACT programs and services at the state, regional, and national levels and ensure that they receive attention through appropriate media.
· Proactively “pitch” ACT story ideas to media representatives.
· Assist in setting goals for, and designing and conducting special meetings and press conferences/ press tours, with the goal of creating strong, positive media coverage.
· Communicate effectively and efficiently to handle high level inquiries from press and government officials with the understanding that responses are always “on the record” and must be “quotable” subject to being printed or broadcast without further review or refinement.
· Regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment in making decisions regarding departmental projects
· Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding corporate information.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, English, or comparable field, and a minimum of 5 years in designing, developing, and conducting communications strategies and programs and in dealing with the media. Demonstrated competence in Spanish (fluency) both written and oral. Strong written and oral communications skills are mandatory. Experience in education, workforce development or assessment is a plus. News media experience preferred; Public Relations experience helpful.
ACT offers exceptional benefits including: 15 days paid vacation, 9% of salary contribution to 403B retirement, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and relocation assistance. ACT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Values Diversity in People and Ideas. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Iowa City, Iowa - Highly rated public schools, world class health care facilities, low crime rates, and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities have helped place Iowa City on a number of national "best places to live" listings:
Ranked Number 5 in Best Smaller Metros feature, Forbes Magazine, April 2007.
Number 3 Best Place in the Nation to Retire, Money Magazine, April 2007.
One of the 10 most affordable places to live and work, Sperling's Best Places, March 2007.
Compensation:
Starting salary commensurate with qualifications. Excellent benefits and work environment.
Interested applicants should go to http://www.act.org/humanresources/jobs/0904-533.html and complete the on-line application. |
| | Posted: 2008-09-03 | Assistant Communications Director at Iowa Finance Authority
Assistant Communications Director (Information Specialist 2)
(00751, Contract, Merit Exempt)
Employment Unit: IFA
Annual Salary: $37,336.00 - $55,848.80
Summary: This position is with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) located at 2015 Grand Avenue, in Des Moines, Iowa. The basic purpose of this position is for the employee to work in partnership with the Communications Director and the Executive Director to complete routine marketing/communication tasks, including planning, writing, Web development, and so on. The employee will manage the communications area in the absence of the Communications Director and will provide marketing/communications support to all areas of the Iowa Finance Authority.
General Duties
MEDIA RELATIONS
• Manage and continually update an inventory of all Iowa media and targeted regional and national media.
• Write and distribute news releases in cooperation with the Communications Director.
• Manage the media center at www.IowaFinanceAuthority.gov, creating and posting news releases, story ideas, FAQs and other appropriate information.
• In cooperation with the Communications Director, pitch story ideas to targeted media and make appointments for the Executive Director or other IFA staff to be interviewed by targeted media.
WORK IN COOPERATION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
MARKET AND COMMUNICATE IFA’S PROGRAMS TO CONSUMERS, REALTORS, LENDERS, COMMUNITIES AND OTHERS WITH THE GOAL OF INCREASING KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF THOSE PROGRAMS.
• Work with IFA’s Communications Director to develop and implement a communications/marketing plan for HousingIowa, the State Revolving Fund and other special projects as directed.
• Maintain an inventory of IFA’s marketing materials and recommend the creation of appropriate new materials or the revision of existing materials. Work with the Communications Director to effectively develop and distribute these items to the appropriate people and groups. Determine the appropriate time to reprint or revise those materials.
• Work with the communications contractor to write specs for marketing materials. Distribute specs to appropriate printers to help IFA find the most economical way to produce materials. Oversee the entire printing process from spec creation to product delivery.
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
SERVE AS IFA’S LEAD EMPLOYEE ON ISSUES OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
• Work closely with IFA’s technology team and Communications Director to research and recommend new internal and external communications technology that can benefit IFA, including blogs, RSS, text messaging, etc.
• As directed, write and distribute IFA newsletters, constantly exploring new technology that offers better, faster, cheaper and more effective communication methods.
• As directed, work on all IFA Web sites, ensuring that information is accurate and accessible and that appropriate technology is used to effectively communicate online.
• Create, maintain and continually update an IFA intranet site that effectively communicates news of interest to IFA staff.
COORDINATE IFA’S REPRESENTATION AT/COORDINATION OF PUBLIC EVENTS
• Represent IFA as a member of appropriate civic and nonprofit organizations. Determine organizations that would provide a membership benefit to IFA.
• Represent IFA at public meetings, conferences and other events that offer public outreach and education opportunities. Set up, staff and tear down IFA exhibit, disseminate information about IFA’s programs, and gather the names of and contact information for potentials users of those programs.
• Coordinate staff’s participation in targeted events and conferences hosted by Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa League of Cities, Iowa Association of Realtors, etc.
• Assist the Communications Director in coordinating several annual and special events including the HousingIowa Conference.
Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with twenty-semester hours course work in journalism, public relations, graphics or communicative arts and experience equal to two years of full time work in preparing and writing materials to disseminate information to the public through the media of the press (newspaper/publications), radio/television, and/or public speaking;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting work experience in planning and writing materials to disseminate information to the public through the media of the press (newspapers/publications), radio/television, and/or public speaking for the required education to a maximum substitution of four years;
OR
graduate course work at an accredited college or university in journalism, public relations, graphics or communicative arts may be substituted for the required experience on the basis that thirty semester hours equals one year of experience to a maximum substitution of one year;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full time work as an Information Specialist
Closing Date: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2008
For Additional Information Contact: Christine Wetzler, HR Manager, at (515)725-4966.
To Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to Christine Wetzler, HR Manager, Iowa Finance Authority, 2015 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312 by the closing date.
An EEO/AA Employer
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| | Posted: 2008-09-02 | Public Relations Account Executive at The Integer Group
Integer, one of the top promotional and retail marketing agencies in the U.S., is seeking a ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE – PUBLIC RELATIONS. Qualified candidates will have two to five years of progressive public relations or integrated marketing experience and successful client-agency relationship skills. Attention to detail, a passion for quality and excellent writing and communication skills are a must. Candidates must be able to lead projects, multi-task and execute flawlessly for this national client. Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or a related field is required. Integer, ranked by SHRM as a Top 25 Best Place to Work for in America for mid-size companies, provides excellent benefits and an inspiring work environment. This position is in our Des Moines, Iowa, office. Applicants can go to jobs.integer.com to apply online. |
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