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Job Description:

The Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO) in the College of Design is seeking an Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator (Program Specialist II) to oversee the day-to-day operations of the college’s community and partner engagement programs.

Success in this role requires strong project management and coordination skills, the ability to balance multiple projects and competing priorities, and a proactive, organized approach to completing tasks. The position also requires applying technical skills to community and local government issues, including analyzing trends, interpreting survey data, evaluating project goals, and using findings to inform recommendations and measure outcomes.

Examples of Duties:

• Coordinate day-to-day community engagement programs, including developing timelines, organizing events, tracking deliverables, and ensuring activities align with program goals.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to coordinate program activities, support project implementation, and advance community engagement initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance through site visits, workshops, reports, presentations, database development, and outreach materials to support project activities and partner needs.
• Identify and recruit community partners, including local governments, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector representatives, while maintaining effective working relationships.
• Assist with grant applications, funding opportunities, program development, and the expansion of community partnerships and outreach initiatives.
• Monitor project progress, analyze data and survey results, evaluate program outcomes, and document impact to inform reporting and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate follow-up activities with partners, faculty, and students to support project implementation, strengthen relationships, and achieve program objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, design, community development, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience in community engagement, partnership development, and stakeholder relationship management.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills, including the ability to support and coordinate meetings, workshops, and group discussions.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional correspondence to elected officials, organize complex information, and present ideas clearly and effectively.
• Familiarity with Iowa local governments, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partnerships.

The Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO) encompasses the research, extension, and outreach missions of the College of Design. Broadly defined, IDRO’s overall mission is to stimulate and support research, extension, and outreach efforts in areas of strength and relevance to the design disciplines.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary design research, facilitates communication with design professionals and the public, and responds to the needs of the people of Iowa in areas associated with the design disciplines. Projects often are conducted collaboratively, and individual faculty may be involved in several different programs at the same time. Through IDRO, faculty and students work together with citizen groups, businesses, communities, nonprofit organizations and government agencies in addressing problems to improve the quality of our built environment and our lives.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following application materials are required:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.