Growth Services Project Manager

Iowa State University•Remote - Iowa, IA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) is seeking a Growth Services Project Manager to support companies throughout Iowa in strengthening, expanding, and retaining their revenue. In this role, you will work directly with leaders of small- to mid-sized businesses across the state to assess growth opportunities, identify barriers, and guide them through practical, high-impact strategies that elevate performance at every level of the organization. This position blends hands-on consulting, project management, and relationship building. You will lead engagements that may include market research, customer discovery, competitive analysis, sales process improvements, digital marketing initiatives, and new product or service launch strategies. You will also be responsible for translating insights into defined project scopes and managing execution to ensure delivery aligns with strategy, timeline, and expected outcomes. You’ll also help companies build internal capabilities by facilitating training, coaching executives and teams, leading group discussions, and coordinating subject-matter experts when needed. The ideal candidate brings a passion for helping people and businesses succeed, paired with experience using marketing, sales, and business development tools to deliver measurable results. Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to translate insights into actionable plans are essential. This is an opportunity to make a direct economic impact on Iowa communities by helping businesses innovate, grow, and compete. This role also requires the ability to effectively leverage AI tools to improve efficiency, support analysis, accelerate workflow, and enhance content development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Ability to effectively leverage AI tools to improve efficiency, support analysis, accelerate workflow, and enhance content development
Strong communication skills
Collaborative mindset
Ability to translate insights into actionable plans

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in marketing, business management, or related field
5-10 years of progressive marketing experience, including demonstrated success leading marketing-related initiatives with multiple stakeholders
Experience working with small to mid-sized businesses, either as an internal Marketing lead or consultant
Manufacturing experience is preferred
Familiarity with marketing practices such as marketing strategy, marketing plans, digital marketing (including tactics), marketing research, and professional selling

Responsibilities

Lead and manage complex client engagements focused on business growth, often involving multiple stakeholders and disciplines
Translate client needs into clear, actionable project scopes, including proposal development, budgeting, and alignment on execution expectations
Manage project execution to ensure delivery aligns with approved strategies, timelines, and outcomes
Provide strategic and technical expertise in marketing, sales, and growth-related areas
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders
Plan and facilitate workshops, webinars, and training sessions to build internal client capabilities
Coordinate and manage third-party resources and subject-matter experts to support client outcomes
Maintain project momentum by actively guiding client decision-making and ensuring accountability