Position Title: Government Contracting Specialist Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience Job Description: The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University is seeking a qualified candidate for a Government Contracting Specialist position supporting the Iowa APEX Accelerator Program. The APEX Accelerator Program is a Department of War–funded program focused on strengthening and expanding the government and defense industrial base. Reporting to the Defense Contracting Team Lead, this position will work directly with Iowa businesses to help them assess their readiness, identify government market opportunities, and successfully navigate the state, local, and federal contracting process. The Government Contracting Specialist will provide individualized coaching, education, technical assistance, and connections to businesses interested in pursuing government contracts. Assistance may include government registrations and certifications, market research, opportunity identification, proposal development, defense innovation programs, cybersecurity, contract compliance, and other government contracting requirements. The position will also conduct client needs assessments, develop client-specific action plans, monitor client progress, and connect businesses with relevant programs, partners, and resources. The successful candidate will have a passion for continuous learning and helping people and businesses succeed. The ideal candidate will bring experience working in or with the Department of War, knowledge of federal contracting, and an understanding of the needs and challenges facing the defense industrial base.

Experience

working with manufacturers or supporting manufacturing businesses is highly desirable. Critical skills for this position include business acumen, relationship building, excellent verbal and written communication, active listening, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities, organization, initiative, and the ability to work effectively through ambiguity and change. This is a term position with an end date of June 30, 2028, with the potential for renewal based on funding availability. Employee must reside in or relocate to the state of Iowa on/before first day of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience

working with the Department of War, military departments, defense agencies, defense contractors, or the defense industrial base.

Experience

with federal acquisition, government contracting, contract administration, or supporting businesses that provide products/services to government agencies. Knowledge of federal registrations, socioeconomic certifications, market research, solicitation review, proposal development, compliance requirements, and contractor cybersecurity requirements.

Experience

supporting manufacturing businesses, including knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chains, or industry needs.

Experience

providing business advising, consulting, coaching, training, technical assistance, or developing educational resources/workshops. Demonstrated ability to manage projects, build collaborative relationships with stakeholders, assess business needs, and provide practical recommendations. 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 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. 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. Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term) Proposed End Date or Length of Term: June 30, 2028 Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: PS810 Original Posting Date: August 10, 2026 Posting Close Date: August 23, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19728 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. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. 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. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. 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 employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. 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.