Content and Media Strategist

Job Description

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is seeking a creative, strategic, and results-driven Content and Media Strategist to elevate Iowa’s brand and showcase all that our state has to offer. In this senior-level role, you’ll lead content and media strategy for IEDA’s tourism, talent attraction, and business attraction efforts—crafting compelling stories that inspire people to visit, live, work and do business in Iowa.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and business by building partnerships, leveraging resources, and strengthening economic and community vitality. IEDA administers several state and federal programs focused on business and community development to reach its goals of assisting individuals, communities, and businesses. Whether it is an enterprise or start-up, a rural community seeking to preserve its history and highlight its arts and culture, or a community recovering from a disaster, IEDA creates opportunities for Iowans to thrive.

The Tourism team plays a vital role in attracting visitors, showcasing Iowa’s unique destinations, and encouraging new residents to discover their future here. As our Content and Media Strategist, you will:

• Develop and implement content strategies that promote Iowa as a top destination for travel, living, and business.
• Oversee editorial planning and content creation across all channels—social media, websites, email newsletters, and print publications.
• Lead ideation sessions and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to produce engaging multimedia stories.
• Build and manage proactive media relations to promote Iowa’s assets.
• Serve as IEDA’s spokesperson for tourism, responding to media and stakeholder inquiries.
• Analyze content performance, optimize distribution, and maintain editorial calendars.
• Travel throughout Iowa and nationally to support marketing efforts and build relationships with stakeholders.

• Impactful Work:
  Play a key role in shaping Iowa’s image and attracting new visitors, talent, and investment.
• Professional Growth:
  Opportunities for attending conferences and workshops to promote programs and learn about their impact.
• Collaborative Environment:
  Work with a passionate team of professionals dedicated to making a difference and helping Iowa grow.

• Proven experience in content strategy, media relations, or marketing—preferably in tourism, economic development, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple platforms.
• Strong project management and collaboration abilities.
• Dedication to uphold our Core Values:
  • Accountability in Action – We take pride in our work and results.
  • Innovate Together – We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.
  • Mission Driven – We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.

• Paid Time Off:
  Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits:
  Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility:
  Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance:
  Free Life Insurance.
• Support:
  Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

The Content and Media Strategist position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 3 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA 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…