Program Assistant I

South Dakota Board of Regents; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota State University seeks a professional to manage scholarship programs, ensuring student access to higher education. The role involves developing, implementing, and managing various state and institutional scholarships, while also providing guidance to students and staff on financial aid policies.

Benefits

Medical and dental benefits

Generous retirement plan with 6% matching

Paid holidays and vacation leave

Reduced tuition for courses at state institutions

Qualifications

• Knowledge of South Dakota-sponsored scholarship programs.
• Understanding of state and federal financial aid laws.
• Ability to analyze financial data effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the administration of scholarship programs.
• Review and determine student eligibility for scholarships.
• Develop and implement new scholarship programs.

Skills

Knowledge of financial aid regulations

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Ability to create training materials

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

South Dakota State University is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative professional to support the administration of scholarship programs within the Office of Financial Aid. In this role, you’ll help implement and manage a variety of state, institutional, and third-party scholarship programs, making a direct impact on students’ ability to access and afford higher education.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities: This position supports the Financial Aid Coordinator in administering a variety of scholarship programs and initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing programs and processes for all South Dakota Board of Regents scholarship and grant programs, including South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, Dakota Corps, SD Need-Based Grant, and SD Jump Start.
• Reviewing and determining continued eligibility for scholarships, including reviewing and making decisions on student appeals.
• Leading the development and implementation of new programs for the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship and Premier Scholarship programs.
• Interpreting NCAA guidelines to ensure SDSU athletic scholarships and related programs remain compliant with NCAA regulations.
• Coordinating the processing of scholarships from third-party entities and assisting with the Jackrabbit Guarantee Program.
• Understanding federal financial aid programs and determining when adjustments to federal awards are necessary based on scholarship additions.
• Reconciling and balancing South Dakota Board of Regents, institutional/foundation, and third-party scholarship funds.
• Creating reports and assisting with scholarship database setup.
• Advising students and campus partners on scholarship program policies and procedures.

Benefits: SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Rules and requirements for all State of South Dakota-sponsored scholarship programs
• State and federal laws and regulations related to financial aid program administration
• Federal Needs Analysis Methodology

Skill & Ability to:

• Create, implement, and update processes and procedures
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and data to individual situations
• Research, interpret, and analyzing data
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, enhance customer service, and reduce compliance/audit risk
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication
• Create clear procedures and training materials
• Train staff and provide high-level customer service
• Build effective working relationships with internal and external partners
• Collaborate in a team environment
• Use computer software such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, and Banner Student Information System

Application Procedures: SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu , search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

[SE8549; 11041]

Posting Date

Posting Date 06/23/2025

Closing Date

Closing Date 07/07/2025

Open Until Filled No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100

Work Hours

This is a Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 position with occasional overtime, evening , and weekend hours.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

This position requires No Requirement

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is committed to transforming lives by expanding access to higher education through high-quality, student-centered services, the team supports student success and empowerment. The office fosters a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement, professional growth, and employee well-being.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail] . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU , Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].

Contact Information

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

If other protection is used please identify

N/A

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands

Describe any of the conditions selected

This position the ability to sit for long spans of time at their desk. As well as the ability to type with both hands.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking, Near Vision

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

N/A

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

N/A

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Where did you hear about this position?
  • LinkedIn
  • SDBOR Employment Site
  • South Dakota Department of Labor
  • Employee Referral
  • Department Announcement / Inside State
  • Handshake
  • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
  • Industry Conference
  • Search Engine - Please specify
  • Employment Agency - Please specify
  • Newspaper - Please specify
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
  • Radio - Please specify
  • APLU
  • List Servs - Please specify
  • Alumni
  • Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Reference List

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affirmative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non-discrimination and Affirmative Action rules and regulations into all of its employment practices. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.

Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455