Iowa State

Business Administrator I

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Business Administrator I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Description:

Iowa State University Dining is seeking a Business Administrator I to support the daily business operations of a multi-unit university operation serving students across campus. With numerous locations and a high volume of transactions moving through the system each day, this role helps ensure information is accurate, complete, and handled in a timely manner. The work directly supports unit managers and leadership by keeping processes organized and data timely and dependable.

Success in this position requires consistency and attention to detail. It means staying organized in a fast-paced environment working through them before they create larger operational issues. The individual in this role builds trust by following through, communicating clearly, and ensuring that routine processes remain steady and reliable. This position plays an important part in maintaining the stability and accountability of Dining’s business operations.

What You’ll Do

  • Review and prepare invoices and supporting documentation for processing across multiple Dining accounts

  • Maintain internal tracking tools to monitor transaction flow and ensure timely completion

  • Communicate with vendors and campus partners to resolve discrepancies and clarify documentation

  • Enter and validate purchasing and inventory data to maintain system accuracy

  • Support inventory reporting and assist in identifying and correcting inconsistencies

  • Monitor timekeeping submissions, generate exception reports, and assist supervisors in resolving payroll discrepancies

  • Assist with preparation of routine operational and budget-related reports

  • Provide general office and phone support, responding to inquiries and routing questions appropriately

  • Collaborate with unit managers, student employees, and university partners to support day-to-day business needs

What You’ll Get

  • Insurance benefits beginning on your first day, with timely enrollment.

  • Retirement benefits with strong university contributions.

  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

  • Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment.

  • Free meal.

About ISU Dining

ISU Dining is a large, multi-unit operation serving students, faculty, staff, and campus guests across Iowa State University. From residential dining centers and retail locations to catering services and a central production kitchen, Dining supports thousands of students each day.

ISU Dining is committed to offering the ISU community comprehensive meal plan programs and dining options at competitive prices in safe, modern, attractive, and functional facilities. The Dining Business Team supports these efforts by ensuring business processes, reporting, capital planning, and business systems remain organized, accurate, and aligned with university standards. We utilize financial resources in a responsible, efficient, and cost-effective manner that ensures the availability of capital to sustain current operations, maintain and update equipment and facilities, fund innovation and support future growth.

To learn more about ISU Dining, visit: https://www.dining.iastate.edu


Example of Duties

• Represents the department on business affairs and/or faculty affairs to the institution community.

• Monitors and interprets operational policies and procedures in areas such as information technology, communications, and facilities.

• Prepares budgets and financial reports for grants, general appropriations, endowments, and other funds.

• Assists in establishing financial and operational systems to monitor, control, and verify expenditures and carry out financial analysis.

• Manages day-to-day operational needs of a department.

• May assist with employment business needs such as hiring of students, timekeeping responsibilities, and scheduling.

• May supervise students.


Level Guidelines
• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

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:

PS807

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 • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

February 25, 2026

Posting Close Date:

March 4, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18649