Business Operations Assistant

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Business Operations Assistant to support financial, administrative, and operational functions for the Chapman Center for Rural Studies and the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work.

The role includes managing funds, preparing reports, coordinating events, donor gifts, grant activity, data for student projects, and day-to-day office operations with a focus on service to students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and one year of relevant experience.
• Two years' experience in general office, clerical or administrative support is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and common office software is expected.

Responsibilities

• Oversee departmental and foundation funds and prepare financial reports.
• Coordinate events and manage donor correspondence and gifts.
• Track grant activity and support data management for student projects.
• Assist with time and leave administration and serve as receptionist.
• Maintain student records and support accounting and personnel processes.

Tools

KSIS

Canvas

Qualtrics

Microsoft Office

Job description

Business Operations Assistant

Kansas State University

About This Role

The purpose of this position is to support the financial, administrative, and operational functions of the Chapman Center for Rural Studies and the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. This position is responsible for financial operations, donor relations, program support, office management, data management, inventory control, and personnel administration. Key responsibilities include overseeing departmental and foundation funds, preparing financial reports, coordinating events, managing donor correspondence and gifts, tracking grant activity, overseeing data management for student projects, and ensuring efficient day-to-day office operations. The position also assists with time and leave administration, including processing sick leave and other leave requests. In addition, this position serves as the department's primary receptionist by greeting and screening visitors, answering and directing telephone calls, and providing exceptional customer service to students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. The position maintains undergraduate and graduate student records for all academic programs, prepares routine analytical reports from the student information database, and assists the Administrative Officer and Accountant with accounting processes, personnel transactions, and other administrative functions as needed. This position plays a vital role in supporting the department's academic, research, and outreach missions by ensuring the effective management of financial, administrative, and operational activities. The work performed is essential to the continued success of the department and its contribution to the mission of Kansas State University.

About Us

The Chapman Center for Rural Studies is a Center for Excellence in the College of Arts and Sciences. We support Kansas communities by funding student and faculty research, engagement, and digital scholarship, creating original programming, and providing support for cultural institutions through internships and collaborative initiatives.

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work is one of the largest departments within the College of Arts and Sciences, and we serve approximately 450 undergraduate and graduate students. The department consists of a set of distinct but interrelated disciplines that includes Addictions Counseling, Anthropology, Criminology, Sociology and Social Work.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site. 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.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and one year of

Relevant Experience. Requirements May Be Met Through a Combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years' experience in general office, clerical or administrative support work.
• Experience with a wide range of computer tools and software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power point), KSIS, Canvas, Qualtrics.

Sponsorship Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Application Window

Applications close on: September 15, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$19.43-$20.67