Administrative Services Specialist

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 is part of the University of Iowa College of Education. It operates in col