Assistant Director of Operations - RuralSTAMINA

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Iowa State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Operations for the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine in Iowa and Nebraska. This role is a lead operational administrator for RuralSTAMINA, translating the Engine's strategy into action. The position will lead the development and implementation of people, systems, resources, and processes for a complex, multi-institutional initiative. The successful candidate will help develop operational strategies, anticipate needs, solve challenges, and build structures to support collaboration across universities, community colleges, industry, government, workforce organizations, and other partners. RuralSTAMINA is a U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine focused on integrating advanced biotechnology with agricultural production systems to strengthen domestic supply chains, expand value-added agriculture, and build a resilient regional bioeconomy. Headquartered at Iowa State University, it supports coordinated activities across Iowa and Nebraska in research, workforce development, industry engagement, and commercialization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Strong experience in operations management, research administration, financial administration, or large-scale program or project management.
Experience leading operations for complex, multi-institutional or multi-partner initiatives with varied stakeholder groups.
Experience developing and implementing operational processes, systems, and organizational structures to support program execution.
Experience with financial administration, including budget development, monitoring, and reporting for large or complex programs.
Experience with federal regulations, sponsor policies, and guidelines related to sponsored programs, preferably with the National Science Foundation or similar federal agencies.
Demonstrated experience identifying complex operational challenges, developing solutions, and implementing change across teams or organizations.

Responsibilities

Lead RuralSTAMINA operations and ensure activities, resources, timelines, deliverables, and reporting remain aligned with strategic priorities and program goals.
Partner with the CEO and Engine leadership to develop and implement strategic priorities, assess organizational needs, and support decisions related to program direction, resources, staffing, and implementation.
Build and continually improve the operational processes, workflows, infrastructure, and administrative systems needed to support a growing, multi-institutional organization.
Manage and oversee a complex, multi-institutional budget, including financial monitoring, subaward administration, partner coordination, and sponsor reporting.
Ensure compliance with NSF requirements and applicable university, state, and federal policies and coordinate financial reporting, audit readiness, and related compliance activities.
Lead development of systems for program reporting, performance monitoring, data collection, documentation, and tracking of milestones and deliverables.
Use program data, evaluation findings, and implementation progress to identify issues, inform leadership decisions, and improve program performance.
Supervise and provide direction to professional staff, establishing clear expectations, workflows, and communication practices that support effective team performance.
Build strong working relationships across academic, industry, government, workforce, and community partners and facilitate coordination across organizations with different structures, priorities, and requirements.
Anticipate operational challenges, develop creative and practical solutions, and help the Engine adapt as priorities and needs evolve.