Iowa State

Design Research & Outreach Program Specialist

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Design Research & Outreach Program Specialist

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in planning or design related field

Independent Review Board (IRB) Certification

Experience with survey design and analysis (qualitative and quantitative)

Strong facilitation, writing, and community engagement skills

Experience conducting community site visits across Iowa

Job Description:

Summary

The Design Research & Outreach Program Specialist position will support the research and outreach mission of the Institute for Design Research and Outreach office in the College of Design. Specific areas of responsibilities will include

  • Research and Survey Support
  • Research and Outreach Program Implementation

Research and Survey Support involves supporting faculty and clients in survey development, data analysis, report preparation and proposal development.  Research and Outreach Program Implementation involves leading and managing special projects, organizing design workshops, coordinating community outreach field studies, preparing reports and materials development.


Position Description & Responsibilities

Research & Survey Support

  • Assist in the development of survey questions.
  • Manage the data gathering process, especially Qualtrics online survey.
  • Enter data and analyze survey results quantitatively and qualitatively.
  • Prepare graphs and tables presenting survey results.
  • Draft written reports presenting survey and results.
  • Advise faculty and staff on survey preparation, IRB requirements and support as needed.
  • Prepare and present final reports to clients.
  • Assist in the preparation of proposals that include research and survey elements.

Research & Outreach Program Implementation

Lead special projects initiated by the IDRO office, and specifically, the Mayors’ Design Workshop. Duties include coordinating and leading regular team meetings, setting activity delivery calendar, defining major project delivery elements, researching and identifying target communities and mayors for participation, communicating with participants, organizing workshops and field visits, coordinating faculty, staff, and students engaged in the project, support resource team members, prepare reports and materials. 

Support special projects such as IDRO Research and Outreach Day, Friday Research Seminars, etc.


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:

December 21, 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
 

Original Posting Date:

November 21, 2025

Posting Close Date:

November 28, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18148