Office Specialist V

This position provides the highest-level administrative associate support to the Department of Grain and Food Science (GFS) and its department head in carrying forward the activities of the department. GFS is a complex department which includes four undergraduate and four graduate degree programs, research, and extension in both grain and food sciences, and is home to the International Grains Program Institute. These comprehensive efforts are supported by over 50 faculty and staff employees located in between main campus and north campus in one of our four facilities off Kimball. This position is the focal point of activities for many of these efforts internally and often serves as the first point of contact for many stakeholders, alumni, supporters and students in Grain Science and Food Science.

  • 522346
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Grain and Food Science
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Oct 25 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

This position provides the highest-level administrative associate support to the Department of Grain and Food Science (GFS) and its department head in carrying forward the activities of the department. GFS is a complex department which includes four undergraduate and four graduate degree programs, research, and extension in both grain and food sciences, and is home to the International Grains Program Institute. These comprehensive efforts are supported by over 50 faculty and staff employees located in between main campus and north campus in one of our four facilities off Kimball. This position is the focal point of activities for many of these efforts internally and often serves as the first point of contact for many stakeholders, alumni, supporters and students in Grain Science and Food Science.

About Us

The Department of Grain and Food Science is committed to providing high-quality education, advancing innovation in grain and food science research, and building strong industry partnerships to meet the evolving needs of global food systems.

Our faculty includes several current and former Grain and Food Science members who are ranked among the world’s top 2% of researchers in a 2020 Stanford University study.

For more than 110 years, Kansas State University has been a global leader in flour milling and industry-focused education. Since 1951, it has remained one of the few institutions worldwide to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in Bakery Science and Management, Feed and Pet Food Science, Food Science, and Milling Science and Management.

Our internationally recognized graduate program also provides a wide range of opportunities for both applied and fundamental research, leading to master’s and doctoral degrees in grain science, food science, and related fields.

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 four years of relevant experience.
  • Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, particularly business management and/or communications is highly preferred.
  • Experience in administrative/programmatic support, coordination for an administrator, scheduling/calendar management, support for events, meetings, and communication support.
  • High proficiency with technology, including skills with Microsoft Office suite (specifically word, excel, online calendaring, scheduling)
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and discretion and maintain integrity with sensitive or confidential information.
  • Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills, including the ability to research and analyze administrative problems, make recommendations, and take appropriate courses of action.
  • Ability to be flexible, innovative, and receptive to taking on new or changing responsibilities.
  • Ability to work independently or as a member of a team with accountability for results.
  • Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently and pay attention to accuracy, detail and follow through.
  • Customer service orientation and strong interpersonal skills including courtesy, professionalism, and a cooperative attitude.
  • Proven ability to interact effectively in a multicultural environment with a wide variety of stakeholders.
  • Working knowledge of university policies and procedures.
  • Supervisory skills.
  • Ability to take initiative and make difficult decisions.
  • Event planning experience.

Additional Role Information:

Sponsorship eligibility:

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

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1. KSU Page UP online application
2. Letter of Interest
3. Resume
4. List of three references with email addresses and phone numbers listed

Application Window

Applications close on:

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

42,216.00 - 65,000.00

 

 

Why Join Us:

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.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

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.

Relocation to Kansas: 

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. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

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.