Position Title:Defense Contracting Team Lead
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience
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.
Job Description:
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.
Example of Duties
Conduct needs assessments and create client-specific action plans to expand government sales.
Provide strategic guidance and technical assistance on government contracting.
Coach clients and track progress toward goals.
Educate clients on state/local procurement, federal acquisition, registrations, certifications, bid opportunities, proposal development, defense innovation, compliance, and cybersecurity.
Connect clients to additional programs, partners, and resources.
Host events, workshops, and matchmaking sessions to share best practices and link businesses to opportunities.
Build and maintain professional relationships with businesses, agencies, and industry associations.
Represent Iowa State University, CIRAS, and the APEX Accelerator program.
Stay informed on federal contracting trends and Department of War industrial base priorities.
Improve programs, services, and curriculum to align with CIRAS and Department of War objectives.
Collaborate with CIRAS Strategic Advisors and Project Managers to deliver impactful solutions.
Lead and supervise government contracting specialists, interns, and student employees.
Hold team meetings and conduct regular one-on-one check-ins to align work and expectations.
Monitor and ensure achievement of team goals, metrics, and KPIs.
Support employee growth through coaching, feedback, and professional development planning.
Level Guidelines- Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit- Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports- Focus on ISU's mission and meeting department or work unit goals- Supervises a small department or work team- Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised- Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management- Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy
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.
Appointment Type: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:PS812
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 employment@iastate.edu 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: February 17, 2026
Posting Close Date:March 22, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R18648
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 eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu 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 employment@iastate.edu 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.
