Position Title:
Program Specialist I
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with work-study student employment or financial aid programs.
Experience working with program coordination.
Experience engaging internal and external partners and stakeholders.
Experience leading trainings to both small and large groups in person and virtually.
Job Description:
Are you passionate about helping students succeed beyond the classroom Do you believe student employment is a powerful tool for building career readiness and life skills In this exciting role you will deliver high-impact student employment programs that not only help students earn while they learn but also prepare them for future career success. From overseeing work-study initiatives to coordinating recognition events and developing training for supervisors youll play a key part in creating meaningful employment experiences that make a difference.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design implement and support student employment programs such as on-campus/off-campus work-study America Reads/America Counts and Undergraduate Research Assistantships.
- Ensure compliance with federal state and institutional regulations by researching and interpreting policy and reviewing programs at other institutions.
- Collaborate with university departments including Human Resources Payroll and Finance to coordinate position approvals and ensure accurate employment data.
- Plan and execute university-wide student employee recognition efforts such as Student Employee of the Year and National Student Employment Week.
- Coordinate training for ISU staff and community partners on supervisory practices work-study regulations and promoting career readiness including the GROW program (Guided Reflections on Work)
- Develop and maintain off-campus community partnerships conduct site visits and promote program participation through workshops and outreach.
- Monitor and evaluate employment programs for effectiveness; gather data analyze feedback and share insights to support continuous improvement.
- Oversee project planning and resource management for assigned employment programs.
- Track program budgets recommend appropriate staffing levels and wage structures.
- Deliver consistent and engaging communication to students faculty staff and community partners regarding student employment programs and opportunities.
- Manage account access and vetting processes for internal and external program partners to ensure compliance.
- Support department-wide student engagement efforts including Orientation and campus visit days.
- Perform other duties and contribute to special projects as assigned.
About the Department
Located in the heart of Iowa States campus the Office of Student Financial Aid is a proud unit within the Division of Academic Affairs. We administer over $400 million in federal state institutional and private aid annuallysupporting more than 85% of undergraduate students and many domestic graduate students. Our mission is to empower students to succeed through financial support education and outreach.
Our team values student success accountability innovation collaboration dignity and respect and advocacy. We prioritize professional growth through staff retreats and conference opportunities and we foster a collaborative environment that values each team members strengths. If youre ready to make a difference and be part of a supportive student-focused teamwe invite you to apply and join us!
This is a term position with the end date of: 06/30/2026 with the potential for renewal.
Example of Duties
Manages a program to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with the objectives of the university.
Plans monitors and manages an internal or external project from initiation through completion.
Leads or coordinates project planning resourcing and staffing for assigned program.
Monitors and manages budget and ensures that the program meets the overall objectives of the university.
Develops public relations initiatives workshops seminars surveys or other activities to promote the program and carry out its objectives.
Acts as a representative of the program.
Participates in project management.
May secure external funding as needed.
Level Guidelines
Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
Responds to inquiries and issues escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
May provide guidance to students
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
June 30 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS806
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 Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process please email
or call or Toll Free: 1-.Why Choose ISUIowa 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 Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when where and how you do your work. For more information please speak with the Hiring Manager.Original Posting Date:
May 19 2025Posting Close Date:
June 1 2025Job Requisition Number:
R17067