Program Assistant I

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and flexible benefits

Retirement plans

Paid holidays and vacation leave

Tuition assistance for state-supported

Relocation benefits

Job summary

South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, is seeking a dependable Program Assistant I to support daily operations, including customer service, office and database management, and frontline communication. This role requires attention to detail and proactive problem-solving in a university setting.

The successful candidate will handle complex inquiries, assist with the international student insurance program, maintain confidential data, and ensure timely, accurate information is shared

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service within a higher education environment.
• Ability to handle confidential student information with accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic budgeting/purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for the Office of International Student and Scholar Engagement.
• Respond to a high volume of inquiries from students, families, faculty, staff and partners.
• Manage international student insurance program data and compliance.
• Clarify policies and apply procedures consistently.
• Communicate clearly across in-person, phone, email, and digital channels.

Skills

Customer Service

Administrative processes

Records management

Policy & compliance awareness

Microsoft Office

Budgeting basics

Effective communication

Data integrity

Job description

The Office of International Student and Scholar Engagement is looking for a dependable, proactive and detail-orientated Program Assistant I to help support daily operations through customer service, office and database management, and frontline communication.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 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. International Student and Scholar Engagement is a comprehensive home for international student and scholar services. All services and activities are intended to help enrich the experience of international students here at SDSU and to expand global engagement for all students, faculty and staff. The office is part of the Student Engagement Center, which supports student success by fostering connection and community, removing barriers, and promoting academic, personal, and professional growth. The center brings together departments with shared goals to strengthen collaboration and elevate service to students, including Veterans Services and Engagement, the American Indian Student Center, International Student and Scholar Engagement, the Office of Student Accessibility, and Student Connection and Engagement.

This position is located in Brookings, SD.

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

Job Responsibilities

This position serves as the primary point of contact for the Office of International Student and Scholar Engagement and is responsible for, but not limited to:

• Assessing and responding to a large volume of complex and time-sensitive inquiries from students, families, faculty, staff and external partners.
• Independently evaluating each situation to determine the appropriate course of action up to and including escalation.
• Administering all aspects of the international student insurance program through safeguarding confidential student information and maintenance, data accuracy, monitoring regulatory compliance requirements and resolving any concerns.
• Interpreting policies and applying procedures consistently.
• Ensuring accurate, clear and timely communication through in-person interactions, phone conversations, email correspondence, website content, social media platforms, and other outreach methods

• 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:

• Customer Service principles
• Administrative processes in a higher education environment
• Records Management and Confidentiality Requirements
• Policies, procedures and regulations that impact international students
• Modern office equipment, practices and procedures
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Basic budgeting, accounting and purchasing processes

Skill & Ability to:

• Communicate effectively across multiple platforms (in-person, telephone, email, websites, social media, etc.)
• Explain complex information clearly and accurately to people with varying backgrounds.
• Independent decision-making, critical thinking and problem solving
• Manage sensitive data while maintaining the integrity of multiple databases through strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Display professionalism through cultural competence, emotional intelligence, and diplomacy
• Manage a high-volume workload with competing priorities and deadlines.

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.

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

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].