Program Assistant II, Administrative & Fiscal Operations

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Dakota seeks a Program Assistant II to oversee the operational, financial, personnel, and administrative functions of the School of Education in Vermillion. This role supports the dean, faculty, staff, and university partners by managing budgets, coordinating processes, and ensuring policy compliance.

Responsibilities include providing fiscal guidance, maintaining SOPs, and coordinating day-to-day operations with central Budget & Finance.

Qualifications

• Experience in budget management, financial reporting, and administrative operations.
• Proficiency with financial, personnel, and administrative software systems.
• Ability to interpret university policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in higher education and familiarity with Board of Regents policies.
• Experience with enterprise financial or human resource systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational, financial, personnel, and administrative functions of the School.
• Manage budgets, coordinate administrative processes, and ensure compliance with policies.
• Serve as primary contact for School leadership and administrative staff.
• Monitor funds, analyze financial activity, and provide fiscal guidance.
• Develop and maintain School-level SOPs and administrative processes.
• Collaborate with Dean and central Budget & Finance to resolve issues.

Skills

Budget management

Financial software

Policy interpretation

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Higher education experience

Enterprise systems experience

Multitasking in a complex environment

Job description

Posting Details

Logo Institution The University of South Dakota Working Title Program Assistant II, Administrative & Fiscal Operations Posting Number CSA02791P Department USD-School of Education Physical Location of Position (City) Vermillion Posting Text

The School of Education seeks a highly organized and collaborative Program Assistant II to oversee the operational, financial, personnel, and administrative functions of the college. This position serves as a key resource for the dean, faculty, staff, and university partners by managing budgets, coordinating administrative processes, ensuring compliance with university and Board of Regents policies, and supporting strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong financial acumen, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build effective working relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders.

The Program Assistant II provides administrative, operational, supervisory, and school-level fiscal support resource for the School of Education. Serving as the primary point of contact for School leadership and administrative support staff, the position coordinates day-to-day business operations; monitors funds; analyzes financial activity and trends; provides fiscal guidance; identifies concerns; and works collaboratively with the Dean and central Budget & Finance to determine appropriate solutions.

The position independently evaluates routine, nonroutine and atypical administrative and fiscal issues, determines appropriate next steps, and coordinates solutions at the School level, elevating matters to central offices only when they cannot be resolved locally or require central authority. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining School-level Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) standard operating procedures and administrative processes consistent with those policies. The PA II is responsible for ensuring that school-level transactions, documentation, budget activity, administrative processes, and internal fiscal coordination are accurate, timely, organized, and appropriately elevated when questions or concerns arise.

The position works closely with School leadership and central Budget & Finance, Accounting and Human Resources and serves as the School’s primary day-to-day resource on administrative operations, fiscal coordination, procedural guidance, issue resolution, and functional work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in budget management, financial reporting, administrative operations, or office management.
• Proficiency with financial, personnel, and administrative software systems.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Knowledge of South Dakota Board of Regents policies and procedures.
• Experience working with enterprise financial or human resource systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a complex environment.

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

Posting Date 09/17/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 09/24/2026 Advertised Salary Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours

8:00am-5:00pm

Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search Internal If internal, define scope of search Within USD This position requires No Requirement If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.