Program Manager, IIHR – Hydroscience and Engineering

The Program Manager will contribute to the research mission of IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) by supporting the institute’s nationally-recognized hydrologic centers and programs. Primarily responsible for promoting and implementing strategic planning initiatives to advance IIHR’s education, research, and service-oriented mission. This includes interpreting and disseminating complex scientific research and information for external stakeholders including researchers, agency personnel, policy makers, community leaders, and the public. This position is also responsible for supporting alumni engagement and outreach.

Specific Job Duties and Tasks

• Implement and plan new programs and services. Assist with budget development and financial management for research programs.
• Support development of grants and contracts by participating on (or leading) proposal development teams, drafting sections of proposals, and preparing support documents.
• Monitor program deliverables and evaluate impact. Prepare reports and documents as needed for program sponsors and stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives in support of advancing hydrologic programs and research. Recommend and implement new strategic initiatives to maximize program effectiveness. Recommend strategic initiatives within budgets to maximize program impact.
• Maintain existing relationships by serving as a knowledgeable and effective liaison for programmatic activities.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement specialized hydrologic science program communication strategies, including web, social, and print media for a wide variety of audiences.
• Coordinate program media engagement including organizing press events, composing press releases, and serving as liaison between the media and research faculty and staff.
• Recommend changes in policies and procedures to meet hydrologic program standards. Assure applicable hydrologic program standards are followed.
• Monitor and evaluate program(s) effectiveness by collecting and sharing information on reach, engagement, and customer feedback.
• Develop and implement policies and practices of a culture that supports staff engagement in the workplace.
• Support graduate student professional development by helping translate research for a wide range of stakeholders.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact adrian-cunningham@uiowa.edu

About the College of Engineering

The College of Engineering is one of 12 colleges at the University of Iowa, a premier public research university offering internationally recognized programs in disciplines ranging from otolaryngology to fiction writing, printmaking to space science, hydraulic engineering to dance. Iowa draws students from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

The College of Engineering is driven by talented faculty, staff, and students who are producing knowledge to address grand challenges around advanced technologies, health sciences, sustainability, energy, and the environment. Our graduates are ethical, globally aware citizens whose work while at the University of Iowa and throughout their careers make the world safer and our use of resources more efficient. As a center of innovation and discovery, the people who make up the College of Engineering are undoubtedly improving quality of life for our Iowa community as well as for people across the United States and around the world. Beyond playing an integral role in the college’s mission, College of Engineering employees are encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance.

Education Requirement

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, science communication, journalism, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of work experience in an environmental discipline that encompasses watersheds, rivers, floods, etc.
• Experience developing and implementing professional communications strategies that include web, social, and print media for a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing tools and resources to track program activities and measure success.
• Strong communications skills; effective oral and written communication of scientific concepts (both technical and non-technical) to a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated experience with fostering a welcoming and respectful work environment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master’s degree in science discipline, geography, environmental engineering, education, nonfiction writing, science communication, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and writing web content, press releases, and/or other environmentally related materials for governmental, private, and public consumption.

Application Details

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For questions, contact Adrian Cunningham at adrian-cunningham@uiowa.edu

Benefits Highlights

Regular salaried position. Pay level 5A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.

Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.

About Iowa

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.