• Amanda Knief, Director


    Amanda is the dynamic leader of Lectures with a keen eye for detail, a strong knack for problem-solving, and a passion for travel. She graduated from Drake University Law School and Iowa State University with an extensive history of working in the public policy industry. Amanda has served as the University’s Parliamentarian since 2021. An avid birder, Amanda is a living testament to the idea that life's greatest adventures come from the melding of diverse passions. Her interests in constitutional law and pirates are more than unique passions – they are honors seminars she teaches each fall and spring, respectively. When she's not navigating the intricate waters of brainstorming great speakers or sailing the high seas of speaker contracts, she can be found next to a tall stack of books, spending time with her dog, Sagan, and planning her next international trip.

  • Laura Shaw, Assistant Director


    Laura is a proud alumna of Central College (BA in Sociology) and the University of Kansas (MS in Higher Education Administration). Before landing at Iowa State, she worked in higher education planning events, orientation, and leadership programs for a small college; planned conferences for nonprofit medical associations; and worked in community-based events for a local Chamber of Commerce. With extensive experience in event planning and coordination, Laura ensures every event runs smoothly including marketing, logistics, hospitality, and student supervision. In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time outdoors, live music, training for her next 10k or half marathon race, and keeping up with her puppy, Milo. She and her spouse, Aaron (an ISU grad in Management Information Systems) are passionate sports fans and enjoy attending men’s and women’s basketball and football games to cheer on the Cyclones.

CY GROW logo: Guided Reflections on Work

Lectures is a Cy GROW Employer

The Lectures Program is proud to be a Cy GROW employer, integrating student employment with a nationally recognized framework that promotes career readiness. 

Through brief, structured conversations focused on transferable skills, student staff reflect on how their work experience connects to academic learning and future career paths. 

This intentional approach strengthens competency development and empowers students to reframe their roles as vital preparation for life beyond campus.

Please note: all student positions have been filled for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Event Management Intern

The Lectures Program employs an Event Management Intern who assists in the coordination and planning of events with the director, assistant director, and marketing assistant. The intern will be responsible for the execution and delivery of assigned events to meet and exceed the expectations of students, speakers, and other attendees.

The Lectures Program is an academic office under the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost. The funding for events comes from Student Government. The Lectures Program hosts about 80 events each academic year (fall and spring semesters). These events are often coordinated in partnership with student organizations, university units and departments, and community groups. This is a great opportunity to meet and work with dozens of different groups on campus and to meet and engage with authors, scientists, and other experts in their fields. The Lectures Program office atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and optimistic. We expect the intern to have a good sense of humor, enjoy learning, and be willing to try new experiences and methods of working. Training will be provided for all responsibilities in this position.

How to Apply

Send your resume, unofficial transcript, and cover letter to lectures@iastate.edu with "Internship Application" in the subject line.

Marketing Assistant

The Lectures Program Marketing Assistant works closely with all members of the Lectures team to promote events to current students, to faculty and instructors, and to the community. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marketing, public relations, and event promotion while contributing to the success of our unit. 

How to Apply

Send your resume, unofficial transcript, cover letter, and a sample of writing or design work (e.g., social media posts, promotional flyers, marketing plans) to lectures@iastate.edu with "Marketing Assistant" in the subject line.

Event Assistant 

The Lectures Program Event Assistants help with the onsite management of evening events. The program sponsors approximately 100 lectures, forums, and events annually. All events are open to the public and draw an audience of students, faculty, and staff from across the University and the Ames community. The Event Assistants work directly with the Lecture Program staff to assist with the general execution of events, serving as a point person for questions, concerns, and problems while setting up, during, and immediately after an event. Lectures are scheduled Monday-Thursday evenings from September to April and are primarily held in the Memorial Union. Onsite event coordination requires working with event audiences ranging from 30 to 800 people.

How to Apply

Send your resume, unofficial transcript, and cover letter to lectures@iastate.edu with "Event Assistant" in the subject line.