Program Specialist II at Iowa State University in Ames, IA

Program Specialist II

Location: Ames, IA

Position Title:

Program Specialist II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description:

The Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is seeking a Program Specialist to support its CyBIZ Lab Student Consulting Program (Program Specialist II).

The Iowa State University CyBIZ Lab provides the opportunity for cross-functional teams of undergraduate and graduate students to work on business and organizational projects. Students gain hands-on experience working to solve real business problems, and companies and organizations receive potential solutions to business issues from a perspective outside the company.

CyBIZ Lab services are available to existing businesses and corporations, startups, university departments, and non-profit organizations. Consulting and startup projects are fee-based and priced according to complexity and timeframe.

The individual in this position will be a self-starter with business and industry project experience. The successful candidate will apply their business acumen to support the CyBIZ Lab program through student recruitment, working with and mentoring student teams, reviewing and editing student-created surveys and professional reports, analyzing data, and preparing students for executive-level board presentations. This individual will be comfortable in the business environment, speaking to industry leaders, interacting with clients, giving public presentations, networking with potential partners, and processing program metrics.

Examples of Duties

• Support and mentor student consulting teams by providing project guidance, accountability, feedback, and resources throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor project progress by communicating regularly with student team leaders and escalating concerns or resource needs to the program director.
• Improve program operations by identifying opportunities to enhance student training, internal processes, and semester planning.
• Prepare students for executive-level client presentations through coaching, mentoring, and review of professional reports and survey instruments.
• Recruit, interview, evaluate, and onboard student consultants for multidisciplinary project teams.
• Develop and deliver student training programs, workshops, and skill-building opportunities to enhance consulting competencies.
• Coordinate student engagement initiatives, including case competitions and recruitment events.
• Build and maintain relationships with businesses and community partners to generate consulting projects and expand the client pipeline.
• Represent the program at business events, conferences, and university outreach activities to promote CyBIZ Lab and identify new partnership opportunities.
• Assist with business development by scoping projects, managing client leads, and supporting sustainable program growth.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience preparing professional reports, project scope documents, marketing materials, and client-facing communications.
• Experience analyzing complex business challenges and developing solutions across various industries, including education, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, software, retail, nonprofits, or startups.
• Experience with project management, including overseeing multiple projects, managing timelines, and coordinating deliverables with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring or guiding student teams, facilitating leadership experiences, reviewing and editing reports, and supporting student consulting projects from research through execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Qualtrics, market research databases, Workday, or similar business technology platforms; experience with CyBIZ Lab preferred.

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.

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:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

Original Posting Date:

July 24, 2026

Posting Close Date:

August 9, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19640

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.