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Operational Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Operations Assistant (OA) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of ... Serve as primary territory and chapter office support, including all chapter operational needs

... l Assist in receiving, dispatching, inspecting, handling and stocking inbound products; l Receives returns, counts and confirms quantities, determines condition and completes paperwork; l Arranges ...

Plan, produce, and execute operational components for assigned events from contract execution through post-event closeout. * Partake in advance travel meetings to assist towns in their preparations ...

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Operational Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

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How much do operational assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for operational assistant in Iowa is $18.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Operational Assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Operational Assistants often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and supporting various departments. A common challenge is balancing urgent requests with ongoing responsibilities, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Building clear communication channels with team members and proactively prioritizing tasks can help manage workload effectively. Additionally, being adaptable and open to learning new processes is essential for thriving in dynamic operational environments.

What does an Operational Assistant do?

An Operational Assistant supports the daily operations of a business or organization by handling administrative tasks, coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and assisting with logistics. They act as a vital link between different departments to ensure smooth workflow and communication. Their responsibilities may also include data entry, responding to inquiries, and helping to maintain efficient office procedures. This role often requires strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.

What is the difference between Operational Assistant vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectOperational AssistantAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer certifications in office managementHigh school diploma; often some college coursework or certifications in office administration
Work EnvironmentBusiness operations, logistics, and support teams within various industriesOffice settings, handling clerical and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like manufacturing, logistics, and corporate sectorsCommon in corporate, healthcare, education, and government offices
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on operational support, logistics, and process managementCenters on clerical, scheduling, and administrative duties

The main difference between an Operational Assistant and an Administrative Assistant lies in their focus areas. Operational Assistants primarily support business operations and logistics, while Administrative Assistants handle clerical and office management tasks. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different functions within organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operational Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office administration, often supported by a high school diploma or associate’s degree. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling systems, and basic data entry tools is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help Operational Assistants excel in dynamic environments. These skills and qualities are important because they ensure smooth daily operations, effective team support, and efficient workflow management.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Operational jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Operational Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Operational Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operational Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Operational Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

Operations Assistant

Breakthrough T1D

Des Moines, IA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with T1D better while driving toward cures. We invest in the most promising research to turn ideas into life-changing therapies and devices. We work with government, regulatory officials, and insurance companies to address issues that impact the T1D community -- breaking through barriers that limit access to care worldwide. We provide resources and guidance that makes it easier to live and thrive with T1D. This is more than a moment -- we're empowering a movement for the T1D community. Share your support and help educate and empower individuals facing type 1 diabetes.

Our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent and ultimately, cure T1D and its complications. Always, we are guided by a single purpose: As we drive towards curing type 1 diabetes, we help make everyday life better for the people who face it.

The Operations Assistant (OA) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of fundraising and community engagement event efforts, donor and supporter management, office operations, marketing, and event logistics to support our organizational strategy and mission. The OA helps to organize, coordinate, implement, and expand a variety of the territory's development activities that build and strengthen links to potential and existing volunteers and donors and that grow the territory's reach, revenue, and engagement. Their relationships with constituents and donors on behalf of Breakthrough T1D ensure the expansion of our reach to support maximum territory growth to further our mission.

The Operations Assistant role focuses on key operational needs of the territory that support relationship building with donors and fundraising volunteers. They are a force multiplier for their territory colleagues in driving impact and strengthening both donor and volunteer engagement resulting in increased revenue and results.

This individual is a detail-oriented team player who can effectively manage competing priorities and complex details through collaboration, communication, and engagement. They support the implementation of organizational strategies through their territory to drive optimal results and actively demonstrate and promote enterprise-wide mindsets.

The Mid-America territory includes the Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri Chapters. The Nebraska and Iowa Chapters include 8 staff, 3 Chapter Boards and 10 main fundraising events collectively driving over $5 million in total net revenue.

We have a hybrid work schedule, in office two days a week and working remotely and in the field three days a week, supporting the Nebraska and Iowa Chapters.

Key Responsibilities

Administration - 40%

  • Serve as primary territory and chapter office support, including all chapter operational needs
  • Stay current with departmental and organization-wide policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with audit requirements.
  • Develop expertise in platforms used for fundraising management, event management, constituent management and financial management, as appropriate. Emphasis on providing CRM, and Greater Giving (GG) data entry support for the territory.
  • Serve as the lead financial operations staff member; ensure the proper handling of invoices and territory expenses; partner with Donor Services and Donations Processing team for coding gifts; follow up with donors with outstanding payments to facilitate payment; provide financial reporting as needed.
  • Manage territory office systems including voicemail, calendar, and inbox and maintain supply inventory for office and territory events.
  • Provide administrative support to Territory Executive and chapter staff as needed.
  • Assist Chapter leadership in preparation of board meetings and board correspondence as needed.

Fundraising Operations - 20%

  • Provide administrative support for fundraising activities, which includes updating CRM records, executing mail/email solicitations, and preparing information needed for meetings.
  • Manage ordering of event collateral, signage, and other materials to support a positive and engaging participant experience; help ensure brand compliance and use of all available branded materials as appropriate.
  • Proactively manage shopping, packing lists for events and storage inventories to ensure successful and smooth event execution.

Volunteer Management - 20%

  • Manage event day volunteer recruitment and communication; Serve as point-person and coordinator of day of event volunteer training and volunteer assignments.
  • Manage administrative/project-based volunteer recruitment and communication; Serve as point-person and coordinator of administrative volunteers.
  • Support the identification, cultivation and development of key volunteers and elevate prospects to P2P, Signature Events, and Philanthropic Engagement territory colleagues as appropriate.
  • Ensure meaningful engagement of volunteers at all levels and engage in good working relationships with key volunteer partners.

Awareness - 20%

  • Support process for all SFMC communications on behalf of the territory, liaise with Marcom partners in the preparation and sending of communications.
  • Support the creation and execution of any hard-copy mailings for the territory/chapter.
  • Responsible for securing and managing earned media placements for Breakthrough T1D and local events in partnership with Outreach and Operations Director.
  • Responsible for timely and relevant updates to chapter and event websites.
  • Maintain chapter social media accounts, with emphasis on increasing impressions and leveraging national resources.
  • Support and maintains the vision, mission, priorities, and guiding principles of the organization.
  • Understand the strategic direction and purpose of the organization and supports the Territory's fundraising strategies and business needs.

Qualifications

  • 2 years of administrative, operations or business/volunteer experience preferred. Fundraising and event experience preferred.
  • Experience partnering with strong and active volunteers preferred.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of energy, integrity, courage, empathy, and creativity. A team player who can achieve individual objectives and support those of the entire chapter team. Proven ability to successfully manage various event details, timelines, and skilled in efficient time management. Able to meet deadlines under pressure. Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to be an enthusiastic spokesperson/representative of Breakthrough T1D's mission. Clear communicator.
  • Proficient with MS Office and constituent management databases.
  • Knowledge of administrative procedures, such as coordination of people and resources, planning, and resource allocation, as well as ability to develop presentations, reports, and business correspondence, manage files and records, and coordinate office procedures.
  • College degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to travel within the Territory footprint. Occasional evening and weekend work required as needed.

Essential Functions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and infrequently up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits:

Breakthrough T1D offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, voluntary benefits, flexible spending and commuter benefit accounts, an employee assistance program (EAP), life and disability insurance, performance-based bonuses, and generous paid time off. Benefits may vary by job level and full time or part time status.

Additional information:

Requests for medical, religious, and other exemptions will be considered on an individual basis. Breakthrough T1D will comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Breakthrough T1D supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Breakthrough T1D is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.