Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator

Iowa State; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Onsite childcare (Ames)

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO) seeks an Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator to lead community engagement programs and partnerships in Ames. You’ll collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to advance initiatives and deliver impact.

The role emphasizes project coordination, data-informed planning, and effective communication with elected officials and community groups. A driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years related experience.
• Valid U.S. Driver's License required.
• Experience in community engagement and partnership work.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with local government and nonprofits is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day community engagement programs and events.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and partners to advance initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance via site visits, reports, and outreach materials.
• Identify and recruit community partners, including governments and nonprofits.
• Assist with grants, program development, and expanding partnerships.
• Monitor progress, analyze data, evaluate outcomes, and document impact.
• Coordinate follow-up activities to support implementation and relationships.

Skills

Community engagement

Partnership development

Stakeholder management

Facilitation

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning, design, community development, public administration, or related field

Tools

None

Job description

Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator - Picture shows Iowa State University logo in red.### Outreach and Partnerships CoordinatorApply: Ames, IA: Full time: Posted Today: R20141## Position Title:Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator## Job Group:Professional & Scientific## Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience## Special Required QualificationsValid U.S. Driver's License## Job Description:The Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO) in the College of Design is seeking an Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator (Program Specialist II) to oversee the day-to-day operations of the college’s community and partner engagement programs.Success in this role requires strong project management and coordination skills, the ability to balance multiple projects and competing priorities, and a proactive, organized approach to completing tasks. The position also requires applying technical skills to community and local government issues, including analyzing trends, interpreting survey data, evaluating project goals, and using findings to inform recommendations and measure outcomes.**Examples of Duties:*** Coordinate day-to-day community engagement programs, including developing timelines, organizing events, tracking deliverables, and ensuring activities align with program goals.* Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to coordinate program activities, support project implementation, and advance community engagement initiatives.* Provide technical assistance through site visits, workshops, reports, presentations, database development, and outreach materials to support project activities and partner needs.* Identify and recruit community partners, including local governments, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector representatives, while maintaining effective working relationships.* Assist with grant applications, funding opportunities, program development, and the expansion of community partnerships and outreach initiatives.* Monitor project progress, analyze data and survey results, evaluate program outcomes, and document impact to inform reporting and continuous improvement.* Coordinate follow-up activities with partners, faculty, and students to support project implementation, strengthen relationships, and achieve program objectives. **Preferred Qualifications:*** Bachelor’s degree in planning, design, community development, public administration, or a related field.* Experience in community engagement, partnership development, and stakeholder relationship management.* Strong facilitation and presentation skills, including the ability to support and coordinate meetings, workshops, and group discussions.* Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional correspondence to elected officials, organize complex information, and present ideas clearly and effectively.* Familiarity with Iowa local governments, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partnerships. The Institute for Design Research and Outreach (IDRO) encompasses the research, extension, and outreach missions of the College of Design. Broadly defined, IDRO’s overall mission is to stimulate and support research, extension, and outreach efforts in areas of strength and relevance to the design disciplines.The institute promotes interdisciplinary design research, facilitates communication with design professionals and the public, and responds to the needs of the people of Iowa in areas associated with the design disciplines. Projects often are conducted collaboratively, and individual faculty may be involved in several different programs at the same time. Through IDRO, faculty and students work together with citizen groups, businesses, communities, nonprofit organizations and government agencies in addressing problems to improve the quality of our built environment and our lives.*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. The following application materials are required:* 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 [e-mail], 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:November 4, 2026## Posting Close Date:November 11, 2026## Job Requisition Number:R20141Iowa 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. [phone], email [e-mail] 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.