Program Specialist I - Bioeconomy Institute

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

11d•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. Successful candidates will be team-focused, show initiative and have the capacity to help others work together to achieve shared goals. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate timelines, communications, and project activities across multiple teams in support of overall program goals and objectives. The candidate should be an effective ambassador, be comfortable with science communication and demonstrate active listening skills along with excellent written and oral communication skills. A candidate that demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn and problem solve will be successful in this position. This is a two-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.

Requirements

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

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