Program Specialist II

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare

Employee assistance program

Wellbeing program

Retirement plans

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking an AI Innovation Studio Supervisor to lead programming, operations, and user engagement within the AI Innovation Studio at the Student Innovation Center.

In this role, you will help students, faculty, and staff discover new ways to learn, create, and solve problems using artificial intelligence while fostering curiosity, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging programs and events, including workshops, demonstrations, hackathons, guest speakers, and outreach activities that increase AI literacy and engagement.
• Oversee studio operations, including AI technologies, software platforms, equipment, subscriptions, and user resources to ensure an exceptional experience for visitors and program participants.
• Collaborate with students, faculty, staff, industry professionals, and community partners to support innovative projects, educational initiatives, and campus-wide engagement with AI.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical support to users with a range of experience levels, helping them confidently explore AI tools and applications.
• Supervise and mentor student employees while supporting assessment efforts, operational planning, and continuous improvement of studio programs and services.

Skills

AI literacy

Data science

Partnership building

Mentoring students

Workshop facilitation

Ethical AI

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Position Title

Program Specialist II

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description

Are you passionate about helping others explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies? Do you enjoy creating engaging learning experiences, building partnerships, and supporting innovation in a collaborative environment?

Iowa State University is seeking an AI Innovation Studio Supervisor to lead programming, operations, and user engagement within the AI Innovation Studio at the Student Innovation Center. In this role, you will help students, faculty, and staff discover new ways to learn, create, and solve problems using artificial intelligence while fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The AI Innovation Studio is helping shape how students, faculty, and staff learn, create, and solve problems using AI. This is an opportunity to build innovative programming, support interdisciplinary partnerships, and expand access to emerging technologies across campus.

What You'll Do

• Develop and deliver engaging programs and events, including workshops, demonstrations, hackathons, guest speakers, and outreach activities that increase AI literacy and engagement.
• Oversee studio operations, including AI technologies, software platforms, equipment, subscriptions, and user resources to ensure an exceptional experience for visitors and program participants.
• Collaborate with students, faculty, staff, industry professionals, and community partners to support innovative projects, educational initiatives, and campus-wide engagement with AI.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical support to users with a range of experience levels, helping them confidently explore AI tools and applications.
• Supervise and mentor student employees while supporting assessment efforts, operational planning, and continuous improvement of studio programs and services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, or related technologies.
• Experience supporting makerspaces, innovation labs, studios, or technology-focused learning environments.
• Experience developing and facilitating workshops, training programs, educational events, or experiential learning opportunities.
• Experience supervising student employees, interns, volunteers, or project teams.
• Experience building partnerships with academic, industry, nonprofit, or community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of responsible and ethical AI practices.

Additional Information

• Some evening or weekend hours may be required to support events and programming.
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

About The Student Innovation Center

The Student Innovation Center serves as a campus destination for creativity, collaboration, and experiential learning. The center brings together students, faculty, staff, and external partners from a wide range of disciplines to explore new ideas, develop innovative solutions, and gain hands‑on experience with emerging technologies. Through specialized labs, makerspaces, studios, and interdisciplinary programming, the Student Innovation Center empowers learners to build skills, address real‑world challenges, and prepare for future careers.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of AI learning and innovation at Iowa State University. You'll work with engaged students, dedicated faculty and staff, and emerging technologies while creating opportunities that inspire creativity, build skills, and support meaningful collaboration across disciplines.

If you're excited about helping others discover the potential of artificial intelligence and creating opportunities for innovation across campus, we encourage you to apply.

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.

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

Appointment Type

Regular

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

PS807

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.