At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences. DMU is seeking an Administrative Assistant to provide high-level administrative, communication, and coordination support for the Office of Research, promoting efficiency through drafting, scheduling, and centralized coordination. This role oversees student-centered research programs, including electives, mentored opportunities, fellowships, and events, while managing faculty and student engagement, communications, and logistics. Serving as a key contact for stakeholders, the position supports leadership and ensures organized execution of Office of Research priorities.
What you’ll do:
- Manage and monitor the Office of Research central mailbox and coordinate internal and external communications, ensuring timely, accurate responses and appropriate routing of inquiries.
- Coordinate student research programs (e.g., Research Elective, MSRP, rotations, fellowships), including enrollment, eligibility verification, and liaison with Registrar, HR, and program mentors.
- Coordinate planning and execution of research events (e.g., Research Symposium, seminars), including registration, abstract management, scheduling, speaker coordination, travel logistics, and collaboration with internal partners.
- Maintain research-related content across digital platforms including the Research website, social media, Pulse pages, and newsletters.
- Provide direct administrative support to the Chief Research Officer (CRO) and, as needed, to designated delegates, including calendar management, meeting coordination, agenda preparation, documentation, and follow-up.
- Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
What we are looking for:
- Bachelor’s degree required; relevant academic or administrative experience preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in higher education, academic program coordination, or research administration.
- Demonstrated skill in managing multiple concurrent projects with attention to detail and deadlines.
- Experience with event planning, academic scheduling, writing, and student support highly desirable.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with diverse populations.
- Ability to work well with minimal supervision.
- Commitment to and alignment with DMU’s mission and values.
*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.
Total Rewards:
Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.
DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.
About:
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.
Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.
It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.
At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.
Required Documents:
Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.
Department: Office of Research
Status: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Pay Rate: $26.42/hr
Position Description