📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Public Relations & Communications Specialist
🔹 Company: Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services, Inc
🔹 Location: Johnston, Iowa
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Insurance Agencies and Brokerages
🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing content development for print and digital publications
- Supporting public relations efforts through video production and internal communications
- Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely content
- Assisting in graphic design and community sponsorships as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in communications and journalism, with a focus on writing, editing, and content creation.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Co-manage the production of print and digital publications, including planning editorial calendars, researching, writing, editing, and designing content
✅ Write and edit digital content for websites and social media channels, and maintain e-newsletter mailing lists
✅ Write, edit, and coordinate the production of communications materials such as brochures, press releases, presentations, and marketing materials
✅ Record, edit, and provide feedback for video projects
✅ Assist in the development and marketing of community sponsorships and partnerships
✅ Lead the development and editing of content for the company’s Intranet
✅ Assist the graphic designer as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university
Experience: Five years or more related experience and/or training in communications/journalism; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Skills:
- Writing, editing, and content creation expertise
- Detail-oriented with experience editing to AP style guide preferred
- Ability to manage and meet deadlines
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Constant Contact
Preferred Skills:
- Technical writing experience
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing their writing, editing, and design skills will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Communications Specialist in Iowa with 5-10 years of experience)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services, Inc is a privately-held insurance agency and brokerage, specializing in insurance products for community bankers and independent agents.
Company Size: With 51-200 employees, the company offers a mid-sized work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: The company was founded in 1934 and has since grown to become a leading provider of insurance products for the banking industry.
Company Description:
- Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services delivers comprehensive insurance products that strengthen banks with coverage and employee benefits and offer customers a suite of insurance products.
- The company is committed to providing exceptional service and support to its clients, with a focus on building strong, long-lasting relationships.
- Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services is a member of the Iowa Bankers Association and works closely with its member banks to provide tailored insurance solutions.
Company Specialties:
- Bankers' blanket bond
- Fidelity bond
- Cyber liability insurance
- Directors and officers liability insurance
- Employment practices liability insurance
Company Website: www.bankers-ins.com
ASSUMPTION: Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services values strong relationships with its clients and strives to provide personalized insurance solutions that meet their unique needs.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suited for a mid-career professional with 5-10 years of experience in communications, journalism, or a related field.
Reporting Structure: The Public Relations & Communications Specialist reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the expectation that the employee will work from the company's headquarters in Johnston, Iowa.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a senior-level communications role within the company
- Expansion of responsibilities to include management of a team or department
- Opportunities to work on high-visibility projects and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services offers opportunities for professional growth and development, with a focus on promoting from within.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The company's headquarters is a modern, professional office environment with open-concept workspaces and collaborative areas.
Office Location(s): 8901 Northpark Drive, Johnston, Iowa 50131
Geographic Context:
- Johnston is a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa, with a population of approximately 21,000 people.
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and entertainment options.
- Johnston is known for its strong sense of community and high-quality schools.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services is collaborative and supportive, with a focus on teamwork and open communication.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person interview with the hiring manager and a member of the marketing team
- Final interview with the Vice President of Marketing and Communications
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Understanding of AP style guide
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Creativity and innovation in content development
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your writing, editing, and design skills, as well as your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Constant Contact.
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to create engaging and informative content for a variety of audiences.
- Be ready to discuss your experience with managing multiple projects and deadlines, as well as your ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.
ATS Keywords: Writing, editing, content creation, Adobe Creative Suite, Constant Contact, public relations, digital marketing, research, project management, communication, technical writing, social media, presentation skills, detail-oriented
ASSUMPTION: Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
- Constant Contact
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- AP Style Guide
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily to create and manage content.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Expertise
- Service
- Innovation
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Detail-oriented
- Organized and efficient
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to feedback
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in your writing and editing?
- Are you able to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with stakeholders to create engaging content?
- Are you open to feedback and willing to revise and improve your work based on input from others?
ASSUMPTION: Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services values employees who are detail-oriented, organized, and committed to providing exceptional service to their clients.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines can be challenging, requiring strong organizational skills and time management.
- The role may require occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, which can impact work-life balance.
- Working closely with stakeholders can present unique challenges, as different perspectives and priorities may need to be balanced and accommodated.
- The role may require occasional travel to attend industry events or conferences.
ASSUMPTION: Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services offers support and resources to help employees overcome these challenges and succeed in their roles.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Communications Specialist or Content Manager, with a focus on writing, editing, and content creation for print and digital publications.
- However, this role is unique in its focus on the insurance industry and the need to understand and communicate complex insurance products and services to a variety of audiences.
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to a senior-level communications role within the company, or expansion of responsibilities to include management of a team or department.
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other communications and content management roles, its focus on the insurance industry and the need to communicate complex information sets it apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a content strategy for the company's website and social media channels
- Creating and distributing a quarterly marketing toolkit for member banks, including researching, writing, and editing content
- Writing and editing press releases to support public relations efforts and promote the company's products and services
- Recording, editing, and providing feedback for video projects, such as customer testimonials or product demonstrations
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to give applicants an idea of the types of tasks and responsibilities they may encounter in this role, but the specific projects and initiatives may vary depending on the company's needs and priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow for managing print and digital publications, and how this role fits into that process?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as marketing or sales, to create and distribute content?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the company in the next year, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process can help applicants better understand the role and the company, and demonstrate their interest and engagement.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your writing, editing, and design skills, as well as your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Constant Contact.
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to create engaging and informative content for a variety of audiences.
- Be ready to discuss your experience with managing multiple projects and deadlines, as well as your ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
