Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

19h

About The Position

The Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO) in Iowa State University’s College of Design seeks an Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator (Program Specialist II) to oversee the day-to-day operations of the college’s community and partner engagement programs. The position requires strong project management and coordination skills, the ability to balance multiple projects and competing priorities, and a proactive, organized approach to completing tasks. It also involves applying technical skills to community and local government issues by analyzing trends, interpreting survey data, evaluating project goals, and using findings to inform recommendations and measure outcomes. IDRO encompasses the research, extension, and outreach missions of the College of Design. Its mission is to stimulate and support work relevant to design disciplines, promote interdisciplinary design research, facilitate communication with design professionals and the public, and respond to the needs of people in Iowa. Through collaborative projects, faculty and students work with citizen groups, businesses, communities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to address problems and improve the built environment and quality of life. This is a regular, full-time, 12-month appointment. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Two years of related experience.
Valid U.S. driver’s license.
Legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

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 preparing professional correspondence to elected officials, organizing complex information, and presenting ideas clearly and effectively.
Familiarity with Iowa local governments, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partnerships.

Responsibilities

Coordinate day-to-day community engagement programs by 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 projects and partner needs.
Identify and recruit community partners, including local governments, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector representatives, and maintain effective working relationships.
Assist with grant applications, funding opportunities, program development, and 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.