Program Specialist I - Bioeconomy Institute

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute is seeking applicants for a new Program Specialist I position. This role will coordinate day-to-day details, internally supporting research project tasks and objectives among multiple principal investigators, as well as facilitating external communication and action plans among collaborating organizations. As needed, this individual will fulfill the communications needs of funded projects and the institute itself. The Bioeconomy Institute leads the nation in advancing the bioeconomy, “where society obtains food, energy, bioproducts, and associated services from renewable sources”. Celebrating 20 years as the "front door" to biorenewables at ISU, the institute fosters connections among departments, colleges, and research units across campus. Alongside its >50 industry partners driving innovation and transforming renewable and waste resources into high-value products, its 150+ ISU faculty and staff affiliates engage in research relating to biorenewable resources, including feedstock development, waste utilization, biobased products, and associated services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Strong organizational skills
Attention to detail
Ability to coordinate timelines, communications, and project activities across multiple teams in support of overall program goals and objectives
Effective ambassador
Comfortable with science communication
Active listening skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Curiosity and a willingness to learn and problem solve
Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Nice To Haves

Degree in business administration, management, management information systems, communications, agriculture, industrial technologies, natural resources, or other related field
Experience coordinating project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements across multiple teams or activities
Experience working with projects, organizations, or stakeholders connected to Midwestern agriculture, engineering, or natural resources
Experience developing or delivering professional communications, presentations, or outreach materials for various audiences
Experience coordinating and facilitating virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings or collaborative events

Responsibilities

Coordination of project activities (e.g. team meetings and communications) across multiple research labs and organizations
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date project records
Updating team leadership on progress towards project objectives
Communicating with the Principal Investigators (PIs), various team leaders, students, postdocs, and staff
Assisting PIs with drafting project reports and serving as a point of coordination with sponsors and external partners
Supporting project teams in maintaining timelines, documentation, and operational activities aligned with sponsor and university expectations
Communicating project goals, outputs, outcomes, and impacts through different modes