Program Specialist II

Ames, IA

Full time

R19975

Position Title:Program Specialist II

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description:

SummaryThe University Honors program at Iowa State University is looking for a Program Coordinator for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (Program Specialist II). This role supports the University’s research mission by coordinating undergraduate research (UR) initiatives at Iowa State University. This position will assist in developing programs and collaborative partnerships with colleges and departments to maintain a robust UR program. The individual will meet and coach students on how to participate in undergraduate research opportunities on the Iowa State University campus; coordinate REU-related activities; oversee two annual events - Research in the Capitol and the Undergraduate Symposium on Research and Creative Expression; support the First-Year Honors Mentor Program, and advise students on research projects and coordinates research awards within the university Honors Program.

Responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

• Collaborate with the Honors Director(s) to launch new undergraduate research initiatives.

• Maintain data on undergraduate researchers, e.g., how many students and mentors from each college

• Meet with ISU students who have general questions concerning undergraduate research

• Serve as a resource for students considering research opportunities

• Manage undergraduate research website and other social media outlets

• Coordinate university-wide undergraduate programs

• Assist with management of the University Honors Program First-Year Research Mentor Program

• Assist with the management of awards and grants

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in STEM field

• Experience with undergraduate or graduate research, capstone, or thesis writing

• Experience with undergraduate student advising and/or programming

For more information about the University Honors program , please visit: or 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

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by October 11, 2026.

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:Full time

Pay Grade:PS807

Original Posting Date: September 28, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:R19975

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.