- Manhattan, Kansas, United States
- AQ Miller Schl of Media & Comm
- Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
- Closing at: Aug 2 2026 - 23:55 CDT
The Journalism Education Association is hiring a Business Operations Specialist to fulfill our mission of supporting free and responsible scholastic journalism. The Business Operations Specialist will be responsible for the main areas outlined but not limited to these as the role evolves within our organization. The Business & Operations Specialist serves as a key organizational partner responsible for the effective execution, coordination, and continuous improvement of the association's business operations, governance administration, and organizational systems. This position provides high-level operational and administrative support to the Executive Director, serves as a key partner in advancing initiatives and works collaboratively across the organization to ensure efficient, compliant, and well-documented business practices.
The position manages critical functions related to financial administration, governance support, organizational compliance, business continuity, operational processes, and strategic initiatives. The position serves as a liaison with external business partners, including accounting and audit firms, and ensures the timely and accurate administration of organizational records, policies, and procedures.
While the position does not directly supervise staff, it provides leadership through process management, cross-functional collaboration, and organizational expertise to support the successful achievement of association goals and priorities according to the JEA policies, bylaws and legal compliance.
The position requires a solid understanding of basic accounting, budgeting and business management principles as well as association governance operating procedures. This role requires a highly organized, proactive, and adaptable professional who is committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and advancing the mission of the association.
Journalism Education Association (JEA) is a member association that supports free and responsible scholastic journalism by providing resources and educational opportunities, by promoting professionalism, by encouraging and rewarding student excellence and teacher achievement, and by fostering an atmosphere which encompasses unity. JEA is officially headquartered at Kansas State University (K-State) and is considered a sponsored program of K-State. Therefore, K-State administers the JEA benefits entailing a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, generous retirement plan contributions, paid time off- vacation, sick, and holidays.
This position is Remote eligible. Remote work is granted at the discretion of the direct supervisor. An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Review K-State’s remote work policy details for more information.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and two years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience in business operations, nonprofit administration, association management, governance support, finance, or related areas.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
- Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Experience working in a nonprofit, association, or membership organization.
- Experience supporting boards, committees, or volunteer-led governance structures.
- Experience serving as a liaison with accounting firms, auditors, or financial service providers.
- Familiarity with nonprofit financial practices, budgeting, and audit processes.
- Experience developing or improving organizational systems, workflows, and standard operating procedures.
- Experience creating reports, dashboards, and business metrics.
- Familiarity with association management systems (AMS), content management systems (CMS), or customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.
- Solid understanding of business operations, basic accounting principles, budgeting, and financial administration.
- Knowledge of nonprofit or association governance principles and practices.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
- Ability to think strategically while effectively executing day-to-day responsibilities.
- Ability to lead projects and influence outcomes through collaboration rather than direct authority.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to compose, edit, and proof professional correspondence and reports.
- Demonstrated sound judgment, diplomacy, and professionalism in interactions with staff, volunteer leaders, members, and external partners.
- Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality in all aspects of work.
- Strong project management and time management skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and organizational effectiveness.
- Highly adaptable, self-motivated, and capable of working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, virtual collaboration platforms, accounting software (such as QuickBooks), project management tools, and data reporting systems.
Additional Role Information:
- Willingness and ability to travel several times annually and occasionally work evenings or weekends in support of association activities.
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
Applications close on: August 2, 2026
$18.04 - $27.96
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
- Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
