• Take advantage of generous retirement benefits to support well-being and financial security, enabling you the freedom to plan for a secure and fulfilling future.
• Choose between two exceptional health insurance plans, ensuring comprehensive coverage for you and your loved ones. Complemented by dental and vision insurance, university-paid life insurance (2x salary), long-term disability, and the option to add extra life insurance, our benefits offer peace of mind and contribute to your overall well-being.
• Affordable and convenient access to University of Iowa Health Care QuickCare and Urgent Care, a free 24-hour health line, and mental health resources, including the UI Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Doc on Demand, because we are dedicated to fostering a thriving university community by supporting your physical and mental well-being.
• Up to five weeks paid vacation, nine additional paid holidays, separate sick leave with mental health support, paid parental leave, and the flexibility of 80 hours of Family Caregiving Leave to prioritize you, your family’s and loved ones’ health and well-being.
• Employee well-being and success are central to our university’s strategic plan, demonstrated through complimentary health and well-being services like annual Personal Health Assessments, access to confidential health coaches, and discounted memberships to premier on-campus recreation facilities.
• You’re encouraged to enhance your skills through college courses, training resources, and on-demand videos. Our blend of in-person and virtual programs is designed to aid in your growth and foster a greater sense of accomplishment within your team.
• Access several transportation options, including free CAMBUS service, city transit, employee van pools, rideshare networks, the 380 Express, and carpool permits. Our Iowa City location is also a bike-friendly community, allowing for eco-friendly commuting.
• As the spouse or partner of a new Iowa employee, Dual Career Services offers you personalized career coaching, resume reviews, and job search assistance. We help connect you with local opportunities, making your move to Iowa City as smooth as possible and setting you up for success in our Hawkeye community.

• Take advantage of world-class health care services throughout the Iowa City corridor. Without leaving the area, you can see sought-after specialists in a nationally ranked hospital and children’s hospital.
• Your family will benefit from top-ranked public schools across multiple communities and high schools that produce above average college-ready students.
• Experience peace of mind and a sense of security as you prepare for, and enter, retirement. Iowa City has been ranked one of the top five places to retire in the U.S., and in 2023, Iowa was named the best state to retire because of its lower cost of living, high-quality health care, and low crime rate.
• Iowa City is home to more than 50 parks, nature areas, and open spaces. Nearly 100% of city residents live within half a mile of recreation space, including parks, schoolyards, or nature areas. The county trail system is interconnected with the university and surrounding communities, making it easy and enjoyable to explore by bike.
• Enjoy Big Ten athletics at Kinnick Stadium or Carver Hawkeye Arena, Broadway shows at Hancher Auditorium, art at the Stanley Museum, and live music across the community as you immerse yourself in the entertainment options this city has to offer.
• Downtown Iowa City has more than 70 locally owned businesses for you to explore and restaurants that cater to a variety of palates.
• Enjoy festivals and cultural events year-round including Taste of Iowa City, the Jazz Festival, Iowa City Book Festival, and more.
• Des Moines, Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Kansas City are a road trip away, giving you the chance to explore some of the country’s largest cities.

• People are at the core of the University of Iowa. Employee well-being is a top priority, and we understand your accomplishments play pivotal roles in shaping our thriving university community.
• Take advantage of workplace flexibility by adjusting your schedule or considering remote and hybrid work arrangements. Flexibility is designed with your well-being in mind, enhancing work-life balance and accommodating the unique demands of your role. [USE ONLY WHEN APPLICABLE]
• Give back to Iowa and its communities through volunteering efforts, get involved in Hawkeyes Give Back programming, offer support to colleagues by donating leave when needed, and take part in the best tradition in college sports at Kinnick Stadium.
• Continuous learning and professional development are integral to our culture. Tap into a comprehensive set of resources, including workshops, on-campus training, online materials, and a tuition assistance program, all aimed at supporting your career.
• You are encouraged to participate in cross-campus partnerships. Our culture of collaboration and teamwork allows everyone to do their best work, emphasizing pioneering breakthroughs over competition.
• Our commitment to collaboration has enabled groundbreaking medical research and numerous nationwide “firsts” that have shaped our history and set the stage for the future.
• Connect with others and join campus councils and committees to give back. By actively contributing, you'll help our community grow, allowing your talents and ideas to thrive and drive innovative solutions.
• We take pride in acknowledging exceptional faculty and staff for their outstanding achievements. Recognizing our people honors their hard work and inspires continued excellence across the institution.

Name: Maya T.
Demographics: 38, married with two children
Professional background: 15 years in higher education communications, currently working at a private university in Chicago
Goals and motivations:

• Seeking a more balanced lifestyle and lower cost of living
• Wants to work in a mission-driven institution with strong community values
• Interested in professional development and leadership opportunities

Pain points and frustrations:

• Long hours and lack of flexibility
• Limited upward mobility in current role

Work style and preferences:

• Collaborative, strategic thinker
• Prefers hybrid work arrangements and values autonomy

Skills and qualifications:

• Strategic communications, media relations, crisis management
• Strong writing and editing skills

Why Iowa appeals: At Iowa, Maya would find the work-life balance she's looking for, thanks to flexible work arrangements and a culture that prioritizes employee well-being. The university's quality benefits package, which includes comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and paid leave, provides the stability she wants for her family. With a strong emphasis on professional development and career pathways, Maya can advance her career at a mission-driven institution that values strategic thinking and collaboration. Plus, Iowa City's vibrant community and lower cost of living make it an ideal place to thrive personally and professionally.

Name: Alex R.
Demographics: 26, single, born and raised in Iowa
Professional background: Recent graduate from the UI with a degree in informatics; currently working in a junior IT role
Goals and motivations:

• Wants to grow within the university system
• Interested in contributing to public service and innovation

Pain points and frustrations:

• Limited mentorship and unclear career pathways
• Concerned about job stability in tech roles

Work style and preferences:

• Detail-oriented, enjoys problem-solving
• Prefers structured environments with clear expectations

Skills and qualifications:

• Network administration, cybersecurity basics, help desk support

Why Iowa appeals: For Alex, Iowa offers a clear path for growth through internal mobility, leadership coaching, and career development resources. The university's supportive environment encourages innovation and public service, which aligns with his goal of giving back to his community. With its structured work culture and emphasis on employee well-being — including mental health resources, work-life balance, and a strong sense of community — Iowa offers a solid foundation for launching a long-term tech career within the university system.

Name: Priya S.
Demographics: 36, married, relocating from Denver
Professional background: 10 years in corporate training and development; recently completed a certificate in academic advising
Goals and motivations:

• Looking for a purpose-driven role in higher education
• Wants to support students in achieving academic and career goals

Pain points and frustrations:

• Burnout from corporate culture
• Lack of personal fulfillment in previous roles

Work style and preferences:

• Strategic thinker, values autonomy and impact
• Enjoys one-on-one coaching and program development

Skills and qualifications:

• Expertise in communication, coaching, and program design
• Familiar with advising technologies and student engagement strategies

Why Iowa appeals: Priya is excited by the opportunity to work in a student-centered environment where advising is seen as a critical part of student success. The university's investment in professional development, including workshops, career pathways, and leadership training, gives her confidence that she can evolve and thrive in her new role. Additionally, Iowa City's welcoming atmosphere, lower cost of living, and top-ranked schools make relocation appealing. She sees Iowa as not just a place to work, but as a community where she can build a fulfilling life and career.

Name: Marcus T.
Demographics: 35, single
Professional background: 10 years in HVAC and building maintenance, including military service and private sector work
Goals and motivations:

• Looking for a stable role with good pay and comprehensive benefits
• Interested in working for a public institution with a strong reputation

Pain points and frustrations:

• Inconsistent hours and inadequate health care coverage in current job
• Limited training and safety support

Work style and preferences:

• Hands-on, problem solver, values teamwork, and safety
• Prefers clear protocols and reliable equipment

Skills and qualifications:

• HVAC certification, electrical systems, plumbing, OSHA compliance

Why Iowa appeals: Marcus would find stability and support in Iowa's Merit roles, which offer a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a strong focus on safety. The university's investment in training and clear protocols supports his hands-on approach and team oriented mindset. As part of a reputable public institution, Marcus can build a reliable and rewarding career.

Name: Lisa N.
Demographics: 42, married
Professional background: 20 years of experience in office administration, currently working at a community college
Goals and motivations:

• Seeking job stability and strong benefits
• Wants to work at a larger institution with opportunities for internal mobility

Pain points and frustrations:

• Limited retirement benefits in current role
• Lack of recognition and growth opportunities

Work style and preferences:

• Organized, detail-oriented, thrives in a structured environment
• Prefers clear expectations and routines

Skills and qualifications:

• Office management, scheduling, records handling, customer service
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Oracle PeopleSoft

Why Iowa appeals: Lisa would do well in Iowa's structured, people-centric workplace that values well-being, recognition, and internal mobility. The university's benefits, including retirement plans and health insurance, provide the long-term stability she's looking for. With opportunities to advance and a culture that supports professional growth, Lisa can keep making a meaningful impact in a larger, mission-driven institution.