Manager Business Administration

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

6d

About The Position

The Office of Enrollment Management at Iowa State University is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager of Business Administration to lead key operational, financial, and administrative functions that strengthen student recruitment, enrollment, and success. This role is ideal for a collaborative and solutions-oriented leader who excels at building effective teams, optimizing processes, and driving strategic, data-informed decisions across a complex and dynamic unit.

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. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading complex administrative, financial, or operational functions in a higher education environment or similarly structured organization.
• Advanced proficiency with budgeting, financial forecasting, and data analysis.
• Experience using enterprise systems such as Workday, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Experience managing and developing staff, fostering engagement, and leading teams through change or process improvements.
• Project management experience, including leading cross-functional initiatives and implementing new operational processes or systems.
• Experience with preparing executive-level materials, presenting data clearly, and interacting effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Set team priorities and ensure alignment with Enrollment Management’s strategic plan.
• Build and lead high-performing teams; manage staffing plans and workforce needs.
• Provide full supervision, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
• Oversee annual and multi-year budget planning, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Analyze budget trends and support institutional financial aid budget decisions.
• Guide budget and finance staff; train others in budgeting concepts and system reporting.
• Manage contracts, vendor relationships, and RFP processes.
• Lead workflow and process optimization to improve consistency and efficiency across Enrollment Management.
• Oversee operational policies, technology inventory management, and space planning.
• Manage hybrid/remote work agreements, onboarding processes, and policy libraries.
• Prepare and present data, reports, and communications for senior leaders.
• Provide confidential executive support to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.
• Supervise administrative support staff and oversee daily administrative operations.
• Lead cross-departmental projects and represent Enrollment Management on committees and campus partnerships.
• Support unit-wide recruitment, retention, and enrollment-related events and initiatives.
• Formulates policies and guidelines for unit/department activities.
• Develops, manages, and controls budgets and other financial data.
• Establishes financial and operational systems to monitor, control, and verify expenditures and carry out financial analysis.
• Oversees the preparation and management of grant and contract proposals involving a variety of funding sources and agencies.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager