Strategic Advisor

Iowa State University School of Education

Strategic Advisor enhancing manufacturing performance, building relationships with industry leaders in Northwest Iowa. Aiding manufacturing companies by identifying opportunities for meaningful change.

Posted 5/15/2026full-timeRemote • Iowa • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work directly with manufacturing leaders across Northwest Iowa to improve business performance
Focus on building deep, trusted relationships with owners, CEOs, and presidents
Gain a clear understanding of each company’s strategic, operational, and technical challenges
Educate clients on industry research and best practices
Identify opportunities for meaningful change
Scope and develop tailored solutions
Connect companies with the right CIRAS experts and partners
Play a hands-on role throughout implementation to ensure measurable results
Contribute to CIRAS programs, services, and outreach efforts that strengthen Iowa’s manufacturing sector.
Required to travel to clients within the Northwest Territory three to four days a week.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience
Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, business management, or a related field (preferred)
10+ years of experience within the manufacturing industry in a leadership or management role (preferred)
Experience assessing, developing, and implementing change within manufacturing organizations (preferred)
Experience with building and maintaining strong client relationships (preferred)
Experience working across organizations to connect resources and solve complex business challenges (preferred)
Experience with financial management, including budgeting, cost control, or P&L responsibility within a manufacturing environment (preferred).
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical and dental
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
WorkFlex options for some positions.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

financial managementbudgetingcost controlP&L responsibilitychange implementationmanufacturing processesstrategic planningoperational improvementtechnical assessmentsolution development

Soft Skills

relationship buildingcommunicationleadershipclient managementproblem solvingcollaborationtrust buildingorganizational skillsadaptabilityoutreach

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeengineering degreetechnology degreebusiness management degree