Position Title:Administrative Services Director
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 7 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in business, higher education administration, or related field.
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible leadership in administrative services or operations.
Proficiency in developing and implementing departmental policies and procedures.
Experience successfully directing budgets that support broad service operations.
Supervisory experience, including hiring, performance management, and development of staff groups (professional, merit, and student employees)
Job Description:
Iowa State University's Department of Residence invites applications for the role of Administrative Services Director as the lead of strategic operations and housing and administrative services for dining. This position provides leadership and oversight for key administrative functions supporting campus housing and dining operations. Reporting to the Director of University Housing, the position serves as a strategic partner in shaping departmental planning, occupancy management, revenue generation, and service delivery.
The successful candidate will bring a strong background in operational leadership, complex systems management, and cross-functional collaboration. This role requires a forward-thinking approach to enhancing student services, supported by sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Direct administrative services related to housing contracts, assignments, and billing
Oversee meal plan sales, allocation, and billing processes across the university community
Lead a team of professional, merit, and student staff; establish priorities, goals, and performance outcomes
Contribute to long-range strategic planning for departmental operations, fiscal management, and facility planning
Coordinate official departmental reporting, including budget documents, occupancy projections, and Board of Regents submissions
Serve as a primary liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, university leadership, and media representatives
Support transitions between academic terms in collaboration with Residence Life and Facilities
Oversee summer conference staff
About the Department of Residence and ISU DiningAs part of the Division of Student Affairs, our mission is to foster student success through residential and dining experiences that promote community, learning, and engagement. With a focus on innovation, service excellence, and a strong team ethic, we provide essential services that enhance the quality of campus life.
Example of Duties- Assists with strategic planning and developing priorities, including long and short-term objectives.- Administers and oversees budgets, physical space, staffing, and development.- Develops and implements policies and procedures for the Department of Residence.- Supervises employees.
Potential to serve as one of the second-in-command for the Department of Residence.Level Guidelines- Provides input into annual departmental objectives and action plans- Accountable for the achievement of key annual objectives for a department- May provide input into institution policy within the area of functional expertise- Responsible for the functional output of a department or work team- Manages subordinate staff- Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel- May provide input to the budgeting process- Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope- May provide input into financial decisions that impact the department or work area
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.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS810
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:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?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
On-site childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: August 18, 2025
Posting Close Date:September 2, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R17594
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
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 eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
