Program Specialist I

Program Specialist I

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, you'll 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.

About the Department :

Located in the heart of Iowa State's 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 member's strengths.

This is a one-year term position with an end date one year from the hire date, with the potential for renewal based on funding availability.

Level Guidelines :

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.

Appointment Type : Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term : January 20, 2027

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 :

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 :

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 website.