Partnership and Engagement Extension Specialist

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University seeks a Partnership and Engagement Extension Specialist within the NCIPM Center in Ames, IA. This full-time fixed-term position (ending June 30, 2028, with renewal potential) focuses on developing partnerships, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and communicating IPM research to broad audiences regionally and nationally.

The role requires a bachelor's degree and 3 years of related experience, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to manage multiple

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience.
• Experience translating scientific information for diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and strengthen partnerships among universities, Extension programs, agencies, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and coalitions across the NCIPM Center region and nationally.
• Translate IPM research into clear, actionable materials for varied audiences (administrators, policymakers, public).
• Manage multiple projects with partners from different organizations and disciplines; occasional travel.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Project coordination

Strategic communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Position Title:

Partnership and Engagement Extension Specialist

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Looking for a role where relationship building and strategic communication go hand in hand? Interested in helping shape the future of integrated pest management at the regional and national level?

If so, the North Central Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM) Center is seeking applicants for a Partnership and Engagement Extension Specialist! This position will be classified as an Industry Extension Specialist II.

This individual supports the NCIPM Center by developing and strengthening partnerships, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and communicating research-based integrated pest management information to broad audiences across the North Central Region and nationally.

Working with the NCIPM Center Directors and regional partners, this position establishes and facilitates networks and coalitions involving land-grant universities, Extension programs, federal and state agencies, commodity organizations, professional societies, industry, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders. The position helps identify emerging needs and opportunities, connects partners with expertise and resources, and supports collaborative Extension and educational initiatives that strengthen integrated pest management programs.

The position also develops science-based communication and educational materials that demonstrate the value and impact of IPM research, Extension, and implementation. This includes translating scientific and technical information for stakeholders, administrators, funding agencies, policymakers, and other audiences.

The successful candidate will have strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated ability to build productive relationships, and the ability to coordinate multiple projects involving partners from different organizations and disciplines.

Occasional travel will be involved in this role.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 6/30/2028, with the opportunity for renewal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Crop Science, Horticulture, Entomology, Pathology, or related field.
• Knowledge of crop production systems, integrated pest management, plant health, agricultural extension, or related agricultural disciplines.
• Experience translating scientific and technical information into clear communications for stakeholders, administrators, funding agencies, policymakers, and other audiences.
• Experience developing content for websites, newsletters, annual reports, impact statements, briefing materials, fact sheets, presentations, and other related products.
• Demonstrated experience developing, strengthening, and managing strategic partnerships among universities, government agencies, industry organizations, commodity groups, nonprofit organizations, or other stakeholder groups.

About NCIPM Center:

The North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center advances science-based pest management across the twelve-state North Central Region of the United States.

Based at Iowa State University and funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the Center connects researchers, extension educators, growers, public agencies, schools, and communities to develop practical solutions for insect pests, weeds, plant diseases, invasive species, and other pest challenges.

Through grants, partnerships, educational resources, webinars, pest alerts, and regional collaboration, the Center helps improve agricultural productivity while protecting human health, pollinators, and the environment. To learn more, please visit NCIPM Center.

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

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 with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 30, 2028

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS808

Original Posting Date:

September 29, 2026

Posting Close Date:

October 11, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19998

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. [phone], email [e-mail].

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.