Research Administrator II - Water Resilience Collaborative

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

46d

About The Position

The Water Resilience Collaborative (WRC) at Iowa State University seeks a collaborative, detail-oriented Research Administrator II to play a critical role in advancing research, partnership development, and resource creation that supports water resilience and natural infrastructure across Iowa and the broader Upper Mississippi River Basin. The Research Administrator will play a central role in strengthening statewide and regional partnerships that support water resilience and natural infrastructure. This includes collaborating with agencies, NGOs, Extension specialists, community leaders, academics, and other stakeholders to build meaningful relationships. The role will also provide technical assistance to communities for watershed planning and alternatives analysis to support and accelerate adoption of nature-based solutions that enhance water security, ensuring partners have access to the best available science, tools, and decision support. The position will coordinate with regional advisory groups to guide discussions, develop collaborative strategies across the Upper Mississippi River Basin, and support strategic dialogues that identify gaps, priority needs, and emerging opportunities. Additionally, the role will help organize and co-lead workshops, meetings, and forums that advance natural infrastructure implementation and deepen engagement across partners and communities. This is an exciting opportunity for you to help shape the future of a growing, high-impact initiative. As large-scale conservation and natural infrastructure practices accelerate across the region, you'll step into a moment of expanding interest and curiosity among communities and partners. In this role, you will have the chance to leave a lasting fingerprint on the development of the WRC, helping define its long-term direction, influence how natural infrastructure is implemented at scale, and contribute to a statewide shift toward more resilient, climate-ready landscapes. You will be part of building something new, innovative, and deeply meaningful for Iowa and the Mississippi River Basin. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. This is a term position that may have an opportunity for renewal.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related experience
Drivers License

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in ecological engineering, natural resources, environmental science, water resources, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience working across interdisciplinary teams, such as NGOs, Extension, and community stakeholders, to support water and natural infrastructure initiatives.
Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting environmental data, spatial information, or modeling outputs to guide planning and implementation efforts.
Experience translating technical or scientific information into practical tools, guidance documents, or resources for communities and practitioners.
Experience providing technical support to partners by applying watershed planning frameworks and conducting alternatives analyses that inform and accelerate adoption of nature-based solutions.

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue funding opportunities by developing project goals, aligning priorities, contributing to grant proposals, and supporting reporting and budget management.
Provide planning support and technical guidance to project partners while connecting Extension professionals and local leaders with student-led research, applied design projects, and monitoring opportunities.
Track, evaluate, and document WRC activities and outcomes, preparing reports, briefs, newsletters, and digital content that communicate impact and enhance WRC's visibility and branding.
Collaborate with faculty, Extension, and partners to develop tools and resources that translate research into practical application, including inventories of existing models and data products to identify gaps and integration opportunities.
Represent WRC on committees and facilitate student engagement in research, outreach, and project-based learning initiatives.

Benefits

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.