Search Engine Optimization Specialist - Information Specialist 2

Search Engine Optimization Specialist - Information Specialist 2

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Search Engine Optimization Specialist - Information Specialist 2

Salary

$50,960.00 - $76,190.40 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-02182

Agency

005 Department of Administrative Services

Opening Date

02/13/2026

Closing Date

3/12/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

christopher.sikich@iowa.gov

To Apply

Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter and resume.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist (Information Specialist 2) for a full-time role. This position offers a unique opportunity to use your SEO skills to advance our public service mission by making vital information easier to find, accessible, and clear to diverse audiences. You will collaborate across teams to improve our digital presence, optimize site performance, and maintain high accessibility standards.

If you are passionate about creating inclusive digital experiences and making a meaningful impact through SEO, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute SEO strategies aligned with agency goals.
• Conduct regular SEO audits to evaluate keyword performance, content visibility, and site health.
• Ensure SEO recommendations meet accessibility and usability standards.
• Collaborate with content creators and communications teams to integrate SEO into digital projects.
• Optimize web pages through keyword research, metadata, headings, alt text, and accessible formatting.
• Ensure content meets plain language and WCAG accessibility guidelines.
• Manage internal linking and apply structured data (schema markup) for better indexing.
• Convert forms, PDFs, and other documents into accessible formats.
• Work with web developers to improve site architecture, mobile responsiveness, page speed, and URL structures.
• Identify and fix crawl errors, broken links, and technical SEO issues.
• Use Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and SEO tools to monitor and improve site performance.
• Provide keyword recommendations and SEO guidance for new and existing content.
• Develop SEO style guides, best practices, and training materials.
• Prepare performance reports for leadership on trends and opportunities.
• Stay updated on SEO trends, algorithm changes, accessibility regulations, and retention policies.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience conducting SEO audits and implementing strategies that improve visibility and site health.
• Strong understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and experience with accessibility tools and document conversion with a thorough understanding of Section 508. WCAG 2.1 AA or higher
• Proficient with Google Search Console, Google Analytics, structured data (schema markup), and technical SEO.
• Skilled in writing and reviewing content for plain language and accessibility compliance.
• Collaborative experience working with content creators, communications teams, and developers.
• Familiarity with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal), basic HTML/CSS knowledge, and SEO training or documentation development.
• Experience in public sector or mission-driven organizations is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Keeps current with SEO industry trends, algorithm updates, and accessibility standards.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today to join the State of Iowa, Department of Administrative Services as our next SEO Specialist and help us enhance the accessibility and reach of essential public services.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage. (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits)

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 organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicantsmust 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 thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClassDescriptions/InformationSpecialist2-00751-90751.pdf)

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.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset ? our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C.611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C.611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C.611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking?

• No, I do not have a Bachelor's Degree in the identified areas
• No experience in the identified areas
• One years to less two two years of the required experience
• Two years or more of the required experience

04

Do you have 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? If YES - How many years do you have of COMBINED education in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications AND/OR full-time experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? Thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of experience.

• Not applicable, I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Two years but less than three years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas
• Three years but less than four years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas
• Four years or more of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

05

Do you have a COMBINATION of two years of postgraduate coursework in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications from an accredited college or university AND/OR full-time work experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? 24 semester hours of postgraduate course work equals one year of experience. Applicants may substitute up to a MAXIMUM of 24 semester hours or one year of education and must have at least one year of the required experience.

If you answered YES to the above question - How many years do you have of COMBINED education in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications and/or full-time experience in professional planning and developing content for dissemination through traditional media (newspapers, publications, radio, and television), websites, social media, and/or public speaking? Thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in journalism, public relations, graphic design, or communications equals one year of experience.

• NA- Not applicable, I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Two years but less than three years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas
• Three years but less than four years of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas
• Four years or more of combined education and/or experience of the identified areas

06

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch), how many months do you have of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• Six months to less than 12 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa
• 12 months to less than 18 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa
• 18 months or more of full-time work experience in the classification of Information Specialist 1 for the State of Iowa

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

005 Department of Administrative Services

Address

Hoover State Office Building

1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://das.iowa.gov

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