Administrative Services Specialist

About the Role

The Administrative Services Specialist supports the administrative and operational functions of the Iowa Reading Research Center. This position provides direct administrative support to the Director and Center staff and serves as a primary point of contact for stakeholders. The role involves managing day-to-day office operations, coordinating financial and operational processes, and assisting with event planning, including the Center's annual conference. The specialist may also supervise undergraduate student employees and collaborate with university departments to ensure efficient operations and excellent service.

This is a full-time, campus-based, 12-month specified-term appointment, with potential for annual renewal. The position is anticipated to be a regular 40-hour-per-week appointment, though alternative work schedules or reduced-hour arrangements may be considered.

Location: Iowa City, IA

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the contracting process for consulting services, professional development, and service providers.
• Manage the travel schedule for IRRC staff, external contractors, and stakeholders.
• Support IRRC events (e.g., Summit) by assisting with scheduling and registration systems.
• Initiate or assist with HR transactions, including preparing offer letters and submitting appointment documents.
• Act as a search assistant for staff and student searches.
• Coordinate onboarding and termination procedures with the supervisor.
• Assist with financial transactions, including procurement card transactions and coordination with University Shared Services.
• Assist in the development and revision of departmental informational materials for distribution.
• Manage IT resources for the IRRC, including updates, purchasing, and providing basic support to staff.
• Serve as the frontline liaison for the IRRC to faculty, staff, students, and the public, handling inquiries and requests with discretion and independent judgment.
• Act as the primary contact for outside stakeholders, including the IRRC Advisory Council.

About the Iowa Reading Research Center

The Iowa Reading Research Center aims to improve the literacy proficiency of pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students. All efforts are conducted in collaboration with educators, parents, community representatives, and policymakers, with results directly applied to literacy policy and education in Iowa. The Center is part of the University of Iowa College of Education and operates in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with administrative processes and associated operations, with the ability to apply this knowledge to a variety of situations (1-3 years of experience).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms.
• Experience supporting event management, including registration, budgets, staffing, and working with outside vendors.
• Commitment to working with people from diverse backgrounds and modeling open, respectful, and supportive behaviors.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively transmit, receive, and interpret ideas, information, and needs.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in an academic environment.
• Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Experience supervising student employees.

Benefits

• Regular salaried position with a fringe benefit package, including paid vacation and sick leave.
• Health, dental, life, and disability insurance options with generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
• 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists.
• Professional development opportunities, including advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.