Program Specialist I

Position Title:Program Specialist I

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree

Job Description:

Help connect people, programs, and partnerships in support of one of Iowa State’s leading diagnostic resources. The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is seeking a Program Specialist I to support client engagement, educational outreach, event coordination, and communication efforts that strengthen relationships with veterinarians, producers, industry professionals, and laboratory partners. This role plays an important part in creating a positive client experience while supporting the VDL’s mission of providing trusted diagnostic services and resources.

The Program Specialist I will coordinate meetings, trainings, and events; manage logistics and communication with internal and external partners; and help maintain welcoming and effective public spaces within the laboratory. This position will provide client submission support, respond to inquiries, assist with training and educational materials, and contribute to newsletters, brochures, website content, and other outreach resources. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable collaborating with a variety of stakeholders while using technology and data tools to support communication and program initiatives. Occasional travel, including attendance at meetings, trainings, and potential on-farm visits, may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting outreach, teaching, or public relations initiatives.

• Experience maintaining educational material, websites, newsletters, social media, or other communication platforms.

• Experience coordinating logistics for large-scale events, trainings, or conferences.

• Experience working with agricultural industry professionals including food animal producers and/or veterinarians.

About the Department:

The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU VDL) is a nationally recognized leader in veterinary diagnostics, providing critical testing, consultation, education, and outreach services to support animal health, public health, and agricultural industries. As one of the largest veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the country, the ISU VDL partners with veterinarians, producers, researchers, government agencies, and industry professionals to deliver accurate and timely diagnostic information. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to service, the ISU VDL advances animal health and supports Iowa’s agricultural community and beyond.

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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io, or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Part time

Pay Grade:PS806

Original Posting Date: July 23, 2026

Posting Close Date:July 30, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R19635

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. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

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.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub ( .

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University ( attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community ( . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

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. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

If you have questions about the application process please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll-Free at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll-Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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.