Position Title:Senior Manager - Finance & Business Operations
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 8 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Master's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field
Experience in a university-affiliated, research park, nonprofit, or public-private environment
Familiarity with enterprise financial systems, project accounting, and lease accounting standards
Familiarity with start-up companies and entrepreneurial ecosystems
Job Description:
Summary
Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) is currently accepting applications for a Senior Manager, Finance and Business Operations. This position is a senior finance leadership role responsible for financial management, financial reporting, and enterprise-wide financial planning and analysis (FP&A) for ISURP. This highly complex and critical role ensures accurate, timely, and decision-useful financial information while strengthening financial controls, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technology-enabled workflows across the organization. The position reports to and serves as a strategic partner for the ISURP President by providing financial oversight for complex leases, major capital projects, and other financial activities, thus ensuring alignment with ISURP financial policies and reporting requirements. The role works closely with Iowa State University partners, including the Controller's Office and departments that report to the Senior Vice President for Operations & Finance, to ensure consistency, compliance, and strong coordination on Iowa State University related activities.
The successful candidate will have:
A substantial number of years with progressive experience in financial management, reporting, FP&A, or business operations
Demonstrated experience preparing and interpreting financial statements and management reports
A strong background in internal controls, SOP development, and process improvement
Experience overseeing complex leases, capital projects, or large-scale financial initiatives
Example of Duties
Administers business affairs of a $13M+ operational budget.
Prepares operating and project budget drafts.
Monitors budgets and reports any significant deviations from approved budgets.
Performs monthly close and provides quarterly reports.
Formulates policies and guidelines to carry out the department's mission.
Manages complex, leases, major capital projects, and governmental/University reporting as required.
Level Guidelines- Expert-level position possessing advanced professional and/or technical skills working under limited or no supervision- Applies high-level professional knowledge and expertise to focus on ISU's mission and meeting division, department or work unit goals- Solves complex issues using highly developed problem resolution skills- Regularly provides recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices-Utilizes high-level professional knowledge and expertise to provide guidance, recommendations, and set standards related to strategy, policy, and mission- Leads projects of moderate to high scope and complexity with broad impact
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.
To find out more about who we are, please visit: ISU Research Park | Creating an interconnected community where research and business can prosper (https://www.isupark.org/)
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS812
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 Letter
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by February 10, 2026.
If 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- Onsite 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: January 29, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R18520
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.
