Choose Iowa Marketing Specialist - Polk Co

Agriculture Marketing Specialist

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is seeking a creative, strategic, and results-driven professional to join the growing Choose Iowa team as a Choose Iowa Marketing Specialist.

This role is an exciting opportunity to help expand awareness of Iowa-grown, Iowa-raised, and Iowa-made food, beverage, and agricultural products while supporting local producers, rural communities, and Iowa's agricultural economy.

As the state's official brand for identifying and promoting Iowa ag products, Choose Iowa connects consumers with local farms and small businesses and helps strengthen food systems across the state. If you are passionate about marketing, storytelling, agriculture, and making a meaningful impact, this position offers the chance to build something that matters.

Help grow a statewide brand that supports Iowa farmers, producers, and communities

Lead creative campaigns that increase consumer awareness and engagement

Combine strategy, storytelling, events, and digital marketing in one impactful role

Collaborate with leaders, industry partners, and community organizations across Iowa

Use your marketing skills to strengthen local food systems and rural economies

Lead Marketing & Brand Strategy

• Develop and execute marketing strategies that build Choose Iowa brand awareness
• Manage paid advertising campaigns, budgets, vendor coordination, and performance reporting
• Measure return on investment and recommend improvements based on results
• Ensure marketing efforts align with agency priorities and program goals

Drive Content & Storytelling

• Oversee content planning and creation across multiple channels and tactics including social media, website, email, print, and multimedia
• Write and edit marketing materials including website copy, press releases, fact sheets, presentations, and campaign messaging
• Create editorial calendars, conduct content audits, and optimize performance across platforms
• Showcase Iowa ag products and producers through compelling storytelling

Manage Digital Presence

• Lead website updates, landing pages, SEO efforts, and user engagement strategies
• Support e-commerce tools, email marketing, and CRM-related outreach efforts
• Analyze audience behavior and campaign performance to improve results

Coordinate Outreach & Events

• Plan and promote signature Choose Iowa events such as the Farm Store Crawl and Fall Crawl
• Coordinate Choose Iowa participation in trade shows, conferences, meetings, and public events
• Build awareness through strategic partnerships and community engagement

Support Program Growth

• Manage special projects that expand Choose Iowa visibility and impact
• Stay current on food, agriculture, tourism, and marketing trends
• Perform related duties as assigned

Experience developing and managing paid advertising or communications campaigns

Brand management experience with a focus on growth and ROI

Strong writing, editing, and communication skills

Robust graphic design and digital media editing talents

Excellent organization and project management abilities

Experience using analytics to guide marketing decisions

Creative problem-solving and strategic thinking skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

Photography and videography

Social media management platforms

Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Drupal, HTML, or website management tools

CRM or customer engagement systems (preferred)

Full-time position

Monday through Friday schedule

Occasional evening or weekend events

Some travel required

Based in Des Moines at the Hoover Building not virtual

Working for the State of Iowa means contributing to work that strengthens communities, supports agriculture, and protects the wellbeing of Iowans and their animals.

As a State employee, you'll enjoy:

• Work That Matters - Support Iowa's agriculture and animal health systems
• Stability & Purpose - Meaningful public service career
• Professional Growth - Opportunities to learn, develop, and advance

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, and jury duty leave
• Low out-of-pocket, high-quality medical insurance options
• Dental insurance single coverage at no cost
• IPERS Retirement plus state-matched deferred compensation program
• Basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Optional supplemental insurance plans

Learn more about State of Iowa benefits on our careers website: State of Iowa Benefits