Government Contracting Specialist

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 or before the first day of employment. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance with government registrations and certifications, market research, opportunity identification, proposal development, defense innovation programs, cybersecurity, contract compliance, and other government contracting requirements.
• Conduct client needs assessments and develop client-specific action plans.
• Monitor client progress and connect businesses with relevant programs, partners, and resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
• Passion for continuous learning and helping people and businesses succeed.
• 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.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Preferred

• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• 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.
• WorkFlex options for flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.