Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

The Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO) in Iowa State University’s College of Design is seeking an Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator (Program Specialist II) to oversee day-to-day operations of the college’s community and partner engagement programs. The role requires strong project coordination and management skills, the ability to balance multiple projects and competing priorities, and a proactive, organized approach to completing work. It also applies technical skills to community and local government issues, including analyzing trends, interpreting survey data, evaluating project goals, and using findings to make recommendations and measure outcomes. IDRO encompasses the research, extension, and outreach missions of the College of Design. It supports interdisciplinary design research, facilitates communication with design professionals and the public, and responds to the needs of Iowans in areas related to design. Its collaborative projects bring faculty and students together with citizen groups, businesses, communities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to address problems and improve the built environment and quality of life. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience.
Valid U.S. driver’s license.
Strong project management and coordination skills, including the ability to balance multiple projects and competing priorities.
Proactive and organized approach to completing tasks.
Ability to apply 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.
Legal authorization to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is unavailable.

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 supporting and coordinating 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 for reporting and continuous improvement.
Coordinate follow-up activities with partners, faculty, and students to support project implementation, strengthen relationships, and achieve program objectives.

Benefits

Medical and dental benefits
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
WorkFlex options for some positions, offering flexibility in when, where, and how work is done