Employee Value Proposition (EVP) toolkit

For dedicated staff in a wide range of professions
Who seek purpose and stability blended with a great quality of life,
Iowa offers a mission you can believe in, support you can count on, and a community where you can thrive.

UI staff employee value proposition (intended for internal use)

Intended for hiring managers, recruiters, and HR professionals across the University of Iowa.

The EVP highlights the unique benefits of working at the University of Iowa—with a focus on three themes: support, livability, and culture. This approach helps differentiate Iowa from other employers by emphasizing our commitment to growth, well-being, and a supportive work environment. With the EVP, we invite current and future Hawkeyes to see why Iowa stands out as a great place to work.

When to use the EVP:

Job descriptions
Recruitment materials
Onboarding documents
Internal communications
Describing programs and services – focus on the benefits and results
Employee engagement initiatives

Support

Discover the security that accompanies a 175-year institution that offers exceptional benefits and a steadfast commitment to your lifelong learning and overall well-being.

Livability

Enjoy world-class health care, top-ranked public schools, Big Ten athletics, and a vibrant community recognized among the best places to live.

Culture

Experience a people-centric workplace that prioritizes work-life balance, encourages collaboration and meaningful contributions, and upholds a legacy of innovation.

Proof point snippets

The approved EVP messaging clearly highlights the benefits of working at Iowa. Consistent language strengthens the Iowa brand, builds credibility, and reinforces the university as a top choice employer.

Support

Livability

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.

Culture

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.

Proof point snippets (by category)

Health and Well-Being

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 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.
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.
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.

Work-life Balance and Flexibility

Up to five weeks paid vacation, nine additional paid holidays, separate sick leave with mental health support, and the flexibility of 80 hours of Family Caregiving Leave to prioritize you, your family’s and loved ones’ health and well-being.
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.
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]

Professional Development

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.
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.

Community Engagement

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.

Give Back / Collaborate

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.
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.
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.

Families

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.
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.