Defense Contracting Team Lead

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The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as the Defense Contracting Team Lead. The APEX Accelerator Program is a Department of War–funded initiative focused on growing and sustaining the government and defense industrial base.

This position leads a team of government contracting specialists who provide client-centered coaching, education, connections, and technical support to help Iowa businesses pursue and succeed in government markets. The Team Leader will oversee delivery of technical assistance—including needs assessments and client-specific action plans—supporting clients through the federal and state/local acquisition processes, and provide guidance on registrations/certifications, opportunity identification, proposal development, defense innovation programs, contract compliance, cybersecurity, and related topics.

In addition, the Team Leader represents Iowa State University, CIRAS, and the APEX Accelerator program externally; builds and maintains relationships with businesses, government agencies, and professional/trade associations; stays current on the federal contracting landscape and Department of War industrial base priorities; and drives change by continuously improving program services and curriculum to align with Department of War industrial base objectives.

The successful candidate will bring strong business acumen, relationship-building capability, excellent written and verbal communication, and sound critical thinking/analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively amid ambiguity and change. This role includes staff leadership responsibilities such as team meetings, regular one-on-ones, performance coaching, capability development, and accountability for goals, metrics, and KPIs.

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:

• Demonstrated experience working in or with the Department of War (e.g., supporting Department of War initiatives, advising contractors serving Department of War needs, or working within Department of War culture and requirements).

• Manufacturing sector experience (especially supporting manufacturers pursuing government/defense work).

• Significant experience in federal contracting and the federal acquisition process, including advising businesses on registrations/certifications, opportunity identification, proposal development, compliance, and related requirements.

• Proven people leadership experience (supervising, coaching, developing staff; driving performance toward goals/metrics/KPIs).

• Strong stakeholder and partnership development experience with businesses, government agencies, and professional/trade associations; comfort serving as an external-facing representative/spokesperson.

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.

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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.