Manager Business Administration

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:
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.

Job Description:

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.

Main Duties of the Role

• 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.

About the Office of Enrollment Management

The Office of Enrollment Management at Iowa State University advances the university’s mission by applying data-informed strategies that enhance student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and success. The division collaborates closely with campus partners to provide insight, analysis, and operational leadership across the student lifecycle. Enrollment Management encompasses Admissions, Student Financial Aid, the Office of the Registrar, and student success units and is committed to expanding access, improving services, and fostering continuous improvement to support students and the university community.

Example of Duties
• 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.
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

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.

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS809

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
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu 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
 

Original Posting Date:
February 9, 2026

Posting Close Date:
February 16, 2026

Job Requisition Number:
R18603