Growth Services Project Manager

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Job Description:

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) is seeking a Growth Services Project Manager to support companies throughout Iowa in strengthening, expanding, and retaining their revenue. In this role, you will work directly with leaders of small- to mid-sized businesses across the state to assess growth opportunities, identify barriers, and guide them through practical, high-impact strategies that elevate performance at every level of the organization.

This position blends hands-on consulting, project management, and relationship building. You will lead engagements that may include market research, customer discovery, competitive analysis, sales process improvements, digital marketing initiatives, and new product or service launch strategies. You will also be responsible for translating insights into defined project scopes and managing execution to ensure delivery aligns with strategy, timeline, and expected outcomes. You’ll also help companies build internal capabilities by facilitating training, coaching executives and teams, leading group discussions, and coordinating subject-matter experts when needed.

The ideal candidate brings a passion for helping people and businesses succeed, paired with experience using marketing, sales, and business development tools to deliver measurable results. Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to translate insights into actionable plans are essential. This is an opportunity to make a direct economic impact on Iowa communities by helping businesses innovate, grow, and compete. This role also requires the ability to effectively leverage AI tools to improve efficiency, support analysis, accelerate workflow, and enhance content development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business management, or related field.
• 5-10 years of progressive marketing experience, including demonstrated success leading marketing-related initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with small to mid-sized businesses, either as an internal Marketing lead or consultant. Manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with marketing practices such as marketing strategy, marketing plans, digital marketing (including tactics), marketing research, and professional selling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complex client engagements focused on business growth, often involving multiple stakeholders and disciplines
• Translate client needs into clear, actionable project scopes, including proposal development, budgeting, and alignment on execution expectations
• Manage project execution to ensure delivery aligns with approved strategies, timelines, and outcomes
• Provide strategic and technical expertise in marketing, sales, and growth-related areas
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders
• Plan and facilitate workshops, webinars, and training sessions to build internal client capabilities
• Coordinate and manage third-party resources and subject-matter experts to support client outcomes
• Maintain project momentum by actively guiding client decision-making and ensuring accountability

About the Department:

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) helps Iowa businesses solve complex problems and move forward with confidence.

As part of the Iowa State University College of Engineering and Economic Development and Industry Relations, we connect companies to innovative expertise, applied research, and strategic resources that drive real results.

Since 1963, CIRAS has partnered with Iowa businesses to strengthen leadership, improve operations, grow markets, and build skilled workforces. We bring practical industry knowledge, an objective perspective, and access to a powerful statewide network.

For more information visit the CIRAS Website

This is a term position with an end date of June 30, 2027, with the potential for renewal based on funding availability.

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.