Assistant Director of Operations - RuralSTAMINA
Professional & Scientific
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Want to help build and operate a new major regional biomanufacturing initiative at the intersection of research, workforce development, and economic growth?
Iowa State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Operations for the NSF RuralSTAMINA Biomanufacturing Engine in Iowa and Nebraska, a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine advancing biomanufacturing across Iowa and Nebraska.
This position serves as the lead operational administrator for RuralSTAMINA and plays a central role in translating the Engine's strategy into action. Working closely with the CEO and Engine leadership, this position will lead the development and implementation of the people, systems, resources, and processes needed to operate a complex, multi-institutional initiative.
The successful candidate will help develop how RuralSTAMINA operates, anticipate needs, develop practical solutions as challenges arise, and build the structures needed to support collaboration across universities, community colleges, industry, government, workforce organizations, and other partners.
RuralSTAMINA is a U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine that integrates advanced biotechnology with agricultural production systems to strengthen domestic supply chains, expand value-added agriculture, and build a resilient regional bioeconomy. Headquartered at Iowa State University, the Engine supports coordinated activities across Iowa and Nebraska, spanning research, workforce development, industry engagement, and commercialization. To learn more about RuralSTAMINA, please visit RuralSTAMINA .
What You'll Do:
Lead RuralSTAMINA operations and ensure activities, resources, timelines, deliverables, and reporting remain aligned with strategic priorities and program goals.
Partner with the CEO and Engine leadership to develop and implement strategic priorities, assess organizational needs, and support decisions related to program direction, resources, staffing, and implementation.
Build and continually improve the operational processes, workflows, infrastructure, and administrative systems needed to support a growing, multi-institutional organization.
Manage and oversee a complex, multi-institutional budget, including financial monitoring, subaward administration, partner coordination, and sponsor reporting.
Ensure compliance with NSF requirements and applicable university, state, and federal policies and coordinate financial reporting, audit readiness, and related compliance activities.
Lead development of systems for program reporting, performance monitoring, data collection, documentation, and tracking of milestones and deliverables.
Use program data, evaluation findings, and implementation progress to identify issues, inform leadership decisions, and improve program performance.
Supervise and provide direction to professional staff, establishing clear expectations, workflows, and communication practices that support effective team performance.
Build strong working relationships across academic, industry, government, workforce, and community partners and facilitate coordination across organizations with different structures, priorities, and requirements.
Anticipate operational challenges, develop creative and practical solutions, and help the Engine adapt as priorities and needs evolve.
This is a fixed-term position with an end date of July 31, 2028, with the opportunity for renewal.
This position will be classified as an Assistant Director Research Administration.
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong experience in operations management, research administration, financial administration, or large-scale program or project management.
Experience leading operations for complex, multi-institutional or multi-partner initiatives with varied stakeholder groups.
Experience developing and implementing operational processes, systems, and organizational structures to support program execution.
Experience with financial administration, including budget development, monitoring, and reporting for large or complex programs.
Experience with federal regulations, sponsor policies, and guidelines related to sponsored programs, preferably with the National Science Foundation or similar federal agencies.
Demonstrated experience identifying complex operational challenges, developing solutions, and implementing change across teams or organizations.
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.
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:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
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.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
July 31, 2028
12 Month Work Period
Full time
PS810
August 21, 2026
August 30, 2026
R19793
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected] .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
