- Manhattan, Kansas, United States
- Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
- Closing at: Jul 31 2026 - 23:55 CDT
The Assistant Director of Research Operations supports the day-to-day operational and financial activities of the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR). This position coordinates administrative workflows, monitors departmental budgets, tracks research start-up funding, and manages financial approvals and operational processes. The Assistant Director ensures that research operational activities comply with institutional policies and supports the Executive Director by overseeing financial tracking, reporting, and project coordination across OVPR units.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) provides leadership and support for Kansas State University's research enterprise. Supporting more than $250 million in annual research expenditures, OVPR oversees research development, sponsored programs administration, research compliance, research infrastructure, core facilities, and innovation. Working with faculty, colleges, and campus partners, OVPR develops policies, processes, and services that support research and scholarship across the university in furtherance of Kansas State's mission as a next-generation land-grant institution.
This position is On-site.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and seven years of relevant experience in operational or financial administration. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.
- Valid Drivers License
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, public administration, or related field.
- Three or more years of experience in operational or financial administration.
- Experience with budget monitoring and financial reporting.
- Experience coordinating or managing projects in an administrative or financial setting.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Attention to detail, responsiveness to stakeholder requests, and the ability to handle confidential information are critical for success in this position.
- Master’s degree in business, public administration, or related field.
- Experience working in research administration or higher education operations.
- Experience with university financial systems.
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three Professional References
Applications close on: 7/31/26
$70,835.00 - $92,083.00
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.
