Partnership and Engagement Extension Specialist

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The North Central Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM) Center is seeking applicants for a Partnership and Engagement Extension Specialist. This position will be classified as an Industry Extension Specialist II. This individual supports the NCIPM Center by developing and strengthening partnerships, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and communicating research-based integrated pest management information to broad audiences across the North Central Region and nationally. Working with the NCIPM Center Directors and regional partners, this position establishes and facilitates networks and coalitions involving land-grant universities, Extension programs, federal and state agencies, commodity organizations, professional societies, industry, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders. The position helps identify emerging needs and opportunities, connects partners with expertise and resources, and supports collaborative Extension and educational initiatives that strengthen integrated pest management programs. The position also develops science-based communication and educational materials that demonstrate the value and impact of IPM research, Extension, and implementation. This includes translating scientific and technical information for stakeholders, administrators, funding agencies, policymakers, and other audiences. The successful candidate will have strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated ability to build productive relationships, and the ability to coordinate multiple projects involving partners from different organizations and disciplines. Occasional travel will be involved in this role. This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 6/30/2028, with the opportunity for renewal.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
3 years of related experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher in Crop Science, Horticulture, Entomology, Pathology, or related field
Knowledge of crop production systems, integrated pest management, plant health, agricultural extension, or related agricultural disciplines
Experience translating scientific and technical information into clear communications for stakeholders, administrators, funding agencies, policymakers, and other audiences
Experience developing content for websites, newsletters, annual reports, impact statements, briefing materials, fact sheets, presentations, and other related products
Demonstrated experience developing, strengthening, and managing strategic partnerships among universities, government agencies, industry organizations, commodity groups, nonprofit organizations, or other stakeholder groups

Responsibilities

Developing and strengthening partnerships
Coordinating stakeholder engagement
Communicating research-based integrated pest management information to broad audiences
Establishing and facilitating networks and coalitions involving land-grant universities, Extension programs, federal and state agencies, commodity organizations, professional societies, industry, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders
Identifying emerging needs and opportunities
Connecting partners with expertise and resources
Supporting collaborative Extension and educational initiatives that strengthen integrated pest management programs
Developing science-based communication and educational materials that demonstrate the value and impact of IPM research, Extension, and implementation
Translating scientific and technical information for stakeholders, administrators, funding agencies, policymakers, and other audiences
Coordinating multiple projects involving partners from different organizations and disciplines