The Graduate College at Iowa State University seeks applicants for a Program Specialist II working with the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, a federally-funded program which supports first-generation, low-income students as they prepare for entry to graduate school and the attainment of an advanced degree.
As a Program Specialist, you will be a key member of the McNair team with responsibility for the research component of the program, which includes developing content and teaching the two first-year research courses (U ST 3010 and 3020) on scientific research methods; providing guidance to Scholars as they complete a required faculty-mentored research project; and preparing participants for presentation of their work.
The position will support program scholarship by leading, conceptualizing, and conducting research activities that strengthen program effectiveness and contribute to students’ preparedness and motivation to pursue graduate degrees. The role will also assist the program director in assessing and evaluating program data for reporting to stakeholders and will oversee the McNair mentoring component involving faculty and graduate student mentors.
This role offers a rare opportunity to build lasting, meaningful relationships with students across every college at Iowa State. The McNair Program is a close-knit community where staff and Scholars work closely and stay connected long after graduation. You will support students as they apply to a wide range of graduate programs, often 10 or more, and celebrate with them as they enter top institutions across the country. Many alumni return to share updates about their graduate school journeys and early careers, reflecting the strong sense of support and impact the program creates. For someone who values long-term student development and the chance to make a tangible difference in individual academic trajectories, this position is uniquely rewarding.
The successful candidate will join a productive team of professionals who are fully engaged with the students we serve.
Key responsibilities include:
Assist students in securing faculty-mentored research positions and provide guidance on program policies and procedures.
Represent the McNair Program in campus and program-related activities.
Develop curriculum and instruct two research methods courses, including qualitative research methods.
Consult with students on research design, analysis, and scholarly communication.
Support students in preparing written and oral scientific communication and accompany them to academic conferences.
Oversee and evaluate mentoring partnerships between students, faculty, and graduate mentors.
Develop academic writing curricula and provide individualized feedback on graduate school application materials.
Work directly with students on writing components of graduate applications.
Collaborate with campus partners on student success initiatives.
Support program management, annual reporting, and communication with 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.
This is a term position with opportunity for renewal.
Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students