Business Manager                     

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Operations  

Employment Status: Hybrid, Flexible, Full-time, Benefit Eligilbe, Hourly (20 to 29 hours/week)     

Wage Range: $24.00 to $30.00/hour 

Benefits: Health, vision, dental, live, long-term, and short-term disability insurance. Pro-rated Vacation, Sick Leave, and Personal Time 

About CAST: 

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) convenes and coordinates networks of experts to assemble, interpret, and communicate credible, unbiased, science-based information to policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public. Established in 1972, CAST is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a membership composed of scientific and professional societies, universities, companies, nonprofits, libraries, and individuals. The organization’s primary work is the production and dissemination of task force reports, commentaries, special publications, issue papers, webinars, and videos written by volunteer experts—economists, legal experts and scientists from many disciplines. These documents cover issues related to food science, plant and soil science, animal science, and agricultural technology.  

Position Description:  

The Business Manager at CAST performs a vital role in managing the daily fiscal operations of the organization. The position requires an individual that is detail-oriented, diligent, an independent thinker, collaborative, accountable, ethical, proactive, and hard working. The position requires someone comfortable with technology and software related to the position’s required tasks. It also requires someone who desires to “own” the responsibilities of the position.  

Responsibilities: 

• Drive the creation of and provide input into the annual operating budget. 
• Process and record day-to-day financial transactions including invoices, donations, grant and contract payments, and bills to be paid. 
• Prepare monthly and year-end financial reports for review by the CAST CEO, Board Treasurer, full Board of Directors, and auditors. 
• Manage software and user licenses, coordinate IT support for software and hardware, including Office 365, phones, copier, and network. 
• Implement and follow data management and use standards for the organization and participate in cleaning and organizing shared files and database records. 
• Work with the CEO, Director of Operations, and CAST’s contracted human resource services provider for monthly and special payroll processing and retirement and benefits coordination. 
• Contribute to grant and contracted services reporting, invoicing, and payment processing. 
• Support grant compliance efforts by providing requested information in a timely fashion for reporting purposes. 
• Contribute to the organization's growth and success by identifying areas for improvement and change. 
• Serve as an ambassador of the organization and its mission when participating in CAST events. 
• Diligently and professionally execute other duties as assigned by the CEO and Director of Operations. 

 Requirements: 

• Five (5) or more years of experience in a similar position(s). 
• Experience with QuickBooks Online. 
• An associate or bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related area from an accredited institution. 
• The ability to think independently, handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently, and be a quality team member. 
• A willingness to routinely work with numerous volunteer team members.  

Preferred Experience: 

• Three (3) or more years of experience with human resource and employment-related activities, including time-tracking, payroll preparation, and benefits administration. 
• Experience with grant compliance, particularly with federal grant funding opportunities. 

Application and Further Information:  

Please send a cover letter and resume and direct inquiries to: 

Anne Owens, Director of Operations 

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) 

2625 N. Loop Drive, Suite 2610 

Ames, IA 50010 

aowens@cast-science.org 

(515) 292-2125