Government Contracting Specialist

Position Title

Government Contracting Specialist

Professional & Scientific

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

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.

• 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.

• 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

R19728

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