Iowa Reading Research Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Responsibilities include managing day-to-day office operations; responding to inquiries; processing mail; coordinating purchasing, contracts, travel, invoices, and account reconciliations; maintaining records; and supporting financial and operational processes. The position also assists with planning and coordinating the Center's annual conference and other events and may supervise undergraduate student employees. The Administrative Services Specialist works collaboratively with university departments and Center staff to ensure efficient operations and excellent service. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

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

Location: Iowa City, IA   

Specific Job Duties and Tasks:

• Develop and manage the contracting process for consulting services, professional development, and services providers.
• Manages the travel schedule between IRRC staff, external contractors, and stakeholders.
• Support for IRRC events (i.e. Summit) such as assistance with scheduling and registration systems. 
• May be responsible or assist with initiating workflow functions related to HR transactions, preparing offer letters as requested and submitting appointment documents.
• May act as search assistant on staff and student searches.
• Coordinate onboarding/termination procedures with supervisor. 
• Assist with financial transactions including procurement card transactions.
• Coordinate financial transactions such as purchases and travel with University Shared Services. 
• Assist in development and revision of departmental informational materials for distribution.
• Manage the IT resources of the IRRC - including managing update schedules, purchasing, and providing basic support to staff. 
• Act as frontline liaison from IRRC to faculty, staff, students, and the public regarding inquiries and requests, requiring discretion and independent judgment.
• Serve as primary contact to outside stakeholders, including IRRC Advisory Council.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu

About the Iowa Reading Research Center

The purpose of the Iowa Reading Research Center is to improve the literacy proficiency of pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students. All efforts of the Iowa Reading Research Center are conducted in collaboration with educators, parents, community representatives, and policymakers. Results have a direct application to literacy policy and education in Iowa. The Iowa Reading Research Center ispart of theUniversity of Iowa College of Education. It operates in collaboration with theIowa Department of Education.

Education Required:

• A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with administrative processes and associated operations; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to a variety of situations. Experience typical of 1 - 3 years.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms.
• Experience supporting event management, which could include registration, budgets, staffing, and working with outside vendors.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and ability to model open, respectful, accepting, and supportive behaviors with team members.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and interpret ideas, information, and needs through appropriate communication methods and behaviors at a working proficiency level.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in an academic environment.
• Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Student employee supervision experience.  

Application Details

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. 

For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay level 3B. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
• For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.

About Iowa

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.