Business Operations Assistant

Montgomery County Maryland; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chapman Center for Rural Studies at Kansas State University invites applications for an administrative role supporting financial, donor relations, and program operations within the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work.

The successful candidate will handle day-to-day operations, data management, and student records, greet visitors, manage phone inquiries, and assist with accounting and personnel transactions.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and one year of relevant experience.
• 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, KSIS, Canvas, Qualtrics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations, donor relations, and program support.
• Manage office operations, data management, inventory, and personnel administration.
• Serve as department receptionist, greet visitors, answer calls, and provide customer service.

Skills

Administrative support

Customer service

Data entry

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

KSIS

Canvas

Qualtrics

Microsoft Office

Job description

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