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Position Title:Workforce Services Project Manager

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in human resources, industrial/organizational psychology, business management, or related field.

5-10 years of progressive HR experience, including demonstrated success leading HR-related initiatives with multiple stakeholders.

Experience working with small to mid-sized businesses, either as an internal HR lead or consultant.

Familiarity with data-driven HR practices such as employee engagement surveys, retention metrics, and turnover analysis.

Experience providing coaching to business executives and mid-level managers.

Experience facilitating group discussions and strategic planning sessions, especially related to workforce planning.

Job Description:

Are you an experienced HR leader or consultant who thrives on helping businesses grow through smart workforce strategy?

The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University is seeking a Workforce Services Project Manager to lead workforce improvement projects that directly support Iowa businesses. This role is ideal for professionals who want to apply their human resources expertise in a strategic, consultative capacity with flexible work options and meaningful impact across the state.

As a member of the CIRAS team, you will collaborate with business leaders—particularly at small to mid-sized firms—to implement practical, high-impact workforce solutions that improve retention, engagement, leadership, and overall organizational effectiveness.

What you’ll do:

+ Lead workforce consulting projects for Iowa businesses, focusing on talent strategy, retention, employee engagement, change management, and related challenges.

+ Conduct workforce needs assessments and develop tailored, data-informed strategies to help clients address current and future talent gaps.

+ Facilitate workshops, coaching sessions, and planning meetings with executives, HR leaders, and operational managers.

+ Serve as a strategic partner, connecting clients with tools, training, and resources to implement long-term, sustainable workforce improvements.

+ Collaborate with internal CIRAS experts to integrate workforce strategy with operational, technology, and business strategy improvements.

+ Develop or refine training programs, tools, and resources to expand CIRAS workforce offerings.

+ Analyze project effectiveness and outcomes to demonstrate value and guide continuous improvement.

+ Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, industry groups, government agencies, and other partners.

This position is a great fit for:

+ Experienced HR professionals who enjoy solving complex people challenges in diverse environments.

+ Consultants or internal HR leaders who want more autonomy and variety in their day-to-day work.

+ Individuals seeking a balance between strategic impact and flexibility, with the opportunity to work remotely or in person across Iowa.

Additional details:

+ Position type: Full-time, Professional and Scientific

+ Location: Must reside in the state of Iowa (Remote or in-person) regular in-state travel is required. Relocation expenses will not be included.

+ Residency requirement: 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.

About CIRAS:For over 60 years, the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University has helped Iowa businesses improve performance and competitiveness. CIRAS provides customized services in areas such as operations, digital technology, workforce, leadership, and supply chain. Learn more at https://www.ciras.iastate.edu

What we offer – exceptional benefits:

Working at Iowa State University means you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and career:

+ Work/life balance: Iowa State University was voted Best Place for Working Parents 2025

+ Generous vacation and sick leave – 24 vacation days, 18 sick days, and 11 paid holidays

+ Excellent health insurance options – including dental and vision coverage

+ Retirement plans with employer contributions – choose from multiple plans to secure your future

+ Tuition reimbursement and professional development support – grow with us

+ Wellness programs and work-life resources – including mental health and counseling support

Explore Iowa State’s benefits: https://www.hr.iastate.edu/benefits

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:August 24, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS810

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: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? 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.

Original Posting Date: July 10, 2025

Posting Close Date:July 23, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17366

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-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 [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.