Manager Digital Ag Business Development @ Iowa State University

Position Title:

Manager Digital Ag Business Development

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated success in securing sponsorships, partnerships, or external funding to support the organization’s mission.

Experience with public speaking and presenting to senior audiences.

Experience with strategic planning and implementation of strategic initiatives focused on the long term success of a program or organization.

Experience with documenting return on investment and impact of outwards facing education, outreach, and research programs.

Supervisory or team leadership experience.

Job Description:

The Digital Agriculture Innovations Lab (www.isudigitalag.org) at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking applicants for a Manager of Business Development to lead external engagement, partner stewardship and business development initiatives in the rapidly growing field of digital agriculture. This position will play a key role in building and maintaining strong partnerships with industry, government, and other stakeholders to drive program innovations, create new engagement opportunities, and positively impact workforce development in agriculture and ag technology.

Digital Ag’s vision to be the premiere thought leader and partner in ag innovation is reinforced by our mission to innovate, educate, and outreach by bridging the gap between ideas and practical application, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and elevating individuals and organizations to adopt advanced ag tech solutions for a more sustainable and efficient future. Strengthened by a team of service driven and abundant thinkers, passionate about agriculture and striving for excellence, we are committed to combining technological advancement with practical solutions, emphasizing Digital Ag’s role in driving positive impact in the agricultural industry.

Key Responsibilities include:

Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, industry partners, government agencies, businesses, and associations.
Collaborate with internal ISU stakeholders to align with external-facing outcomes.
Connect clients to resources by leveraging industry, business, and research expertise.
Manage sponsorships and stewardship and outward-facing Digital Ag Innovation Lab projects.
Provide strategic and technical expertise to support diverse industry partnerships.
Measure project effectiveness, return on investment, and alignment with mission.
Track emerging funding opportunities and align activities with outreach goals.
Deliver pitches, workshops, and senior-level outreach engagements.
Promote ISU’s digital agriculture brand through industry engagement and sponsorship development.

In this role, you will be at the intersection of agriculture and technology by building connections, driving innovation, and delivering real impact for industry and communities. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a wide range of partners, while leveraging Iowa State’s world-class resources. If you thrive on collaboration, enjoy turning complex challenges into practical solutions, and want to see your work directly influence the growth and success of the agriculture industry, this position offers you an exciting platform to make a difference.

This is an initial three-year term position, with expectation for renewal based on availability of funding.

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.

This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, please apply before September 27th, 2025.

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

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

November 2, 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

To receive full consideration, please apply before September 27th, 2025.

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