Position Title:

Program Specialist I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with local governments, school districts, or community organizations

Event coordination experience, including planning, logistics, and communication

Familiarity with basic cybersecurity concepts or public-sector technology challenges

Experience managing outreach campaigns or stakeholder engagement in a public or nonprofit setting

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder environment

Proficiency with project management or tracking tools (e.g., MS Teams, Planner, Excel)

Job Description:

The Program Specialist I will play a vital role in supporting the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), led by the Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach at Iowa State University. This position will lead outreach and communication efforts with cities, counties, school districts, and other political subdivisions across Iowa to promote participation in the Iowa Cyber Resilience Initiative (ICRI). The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and skilled in working with both technical professionals and public-sector stakeholders. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to statewide cybersecurity efforts that enhance the resilience of local governments and institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase awareness and participation in ICRI offerings, including cybersecurity assessments, training, and exercises.
Maintain consistent, effective communication with stakeholders such as political subdivisions, educational institutions, and community organizations to ensure alignment with program goals.
Plan and execute statewide and regional events, including cybersecurity summits, tabletop exercises (CIME), facilitator training, and stakeholder meetings.
Coordinate logistics for all events, including venue selection, communications, registration, materials preparation, and on-site management.
Track stakeholder engagement and participation using project management tools; monitor deliverables and timelines to ensure successful execution of program activities.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to align outreach efforts and event objectives with grant goals and strategic university priorities.
Collect and analyze participation data to evaluate impact, identify trends, and prepare internal reports and stakeholder updates.
Identify gaps in outreach or engagement and take proactive steps to address them through targeted communication or programming.
Contribute to reporting and compliance efforts by supporting documentation, compiling progress updates, and ensuring activities align with grant requirements.
Recommend and implement improvements to outreach processes, stakeholder engagement, or program coordination based on data and feedback.
Participate in additional duties and special projects as assigned to support the broader goals of the Center and SLCGP program.

Why Join Us?

The Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach at Iowa State University is a nationally recognized hub for cybersecurity research, education, and community impact. Through programs like the Iowa Cyber Resilience Initiative, we work to strengthen the security and preparedness of local governments, schools, and public institutions across the state. By joining our team, you will contribute to cutting-edge outreach efforts that make a real difference in the digital safety of Iowa communities. You’ll collaborate with experienced professionals in a supportive, mission-driven environment that values innovation, continuous improvement, and meaningful public service.

This is a term position with the end date of November 30, 2026

Level Guidelines
• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

November 30, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

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 Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter 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. 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:

August 12, 2025

Posting Close Date:

August 26, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R17485