Program Specialist I

Position Title:

Program Specialist I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s 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, 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.
• Perform other duties and contribute to special projects as assigned.

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 annually—supporting 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. If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a supportive, student-focused team—we 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 co