Job Information
Iowa State University Outreach Program Specialist in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Outreach Program Specialist
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:• Demonstrated experience working with FIRST LEGO League programs, as a coach, mentor, or volunteer or other large scale youth events
• Demonstrated experience with event management, budget creation, program delivery, and oversight
• Experience working with K-12 and college-aged students, educators, and administrators
• Experience working with or for higher education, including students, faculty, and staff
• Demonstrated experience working with underserved populations
Job Description:Summary
Iowa State University’s College of Engineering is seeking a passionate Outreach Programs Specialist to lead the FIRST LEGO League initiative in Iowa. This role involves managing all aspects of the program, including coordinating large-scale events such as statewide qualifiers and the state championship hosted at ISU. The ideal candidate will handle event logistics, budget management, volunteer coordination, and risk management while building strong partnerships with K-8 educators, school district leaders, and community organizations to provide ongoing support and professional development. The specialist will collaborate with national and state FIRST partners regarding grants and representing FIRST at events.
In addition to program oversight, the Outreach Programs Specialist will coordinate visits to the College of Engineering, promoting STEM opportunities, and contributing to various recruitment and talent development initiatives for 8th to 11th grade students. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, a passion for STEM education, and the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders. Periodic in-state and some out-of-state travel will be required for events and conferences.
If you’re excited about inspiring the next generation of engineers, we encourage you to apply!
Example of Duties • Manages FIRST LEGO League Challenge and FIRST LEGO League Explore youth program for the state of Iowa.
• Plans and executes large scale events, including regional qualifying competitions and state championship. • Leads or coordinates project planning, resourcing, and staffing for assigned programs.
• Ensures implementation, prescribed activities, and budget are carried out in accordance with the objectives of the university. • Develops public relations initiatives, workshops, seminars, surveys, or other activities to promote the program and carry out its objectives. • Acts as a representative of the program and primary point of contact for FIRST LEGO League at the university.
• Participates in project management. • May secure external funding as needed.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
Level Guidelines• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity• Provides guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS807
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• 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.
Original Posting Date: October 28, 2024
Posting Close Date:November 10, 2024
Job Requisition Number:R15823
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.