Undergraduate Programs Specialist

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Work-Life balance programs

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking an Undergraduate Programs Specialist to coordinate new student orientation and support undergraduate student programs in the Ivy College of Business. The role includes front-office support, supervising student staff, and developing communications for students and families.

Strong organization, communication, and teamwork are essential. The position emphasizes collaboration with campus partners to create a welcoming and informative orientation experience for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with student services or orientation preferred.
• Experience with databases or student information systems.
• Experience coordinating events and managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate new student orientation logistics and sessions.
• Manage orientation records, attendance, and SIS updates.
• Support Open House and campus events (Destination Iowa State, etc.).
• Collaborate with units to ensure a positive student/family experience.
• Supervise 8–9 student employees and coordinate their schedules.

Skills

Customer service

Organization

Communication

Team supervision

Microsoft Office

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Student information systems

Canva

Adobe Creative Cloud

Excel

Job description

Position Title: Undergraduate Programs Specialist

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree

Job Description

The Undergraduate Student Services Office in the Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University is seeking an Undergraduate Program Specialist to support undergraduate student programs with a primary focus on new student orientation. This position coordinates Ivy orientation logistics, communications, records, and events while providing direct support to students and families. The role also provides front-office support, oversees 8–9 student employees, and contributes to other Ivy student programs and events. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, student-focused environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent customer service, proficiency with technology and information systems, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate Ivy’s new student orientation logistics, including registration, check-in, advising schedules, materials, room reservations, online participation options, and co-supervise Ivy’s student orientation assistants.
• Manage orientation records, attendance, student information system updates, reports, and procedures to support accurate information and effective program operations.
• Coordinate the Ivy College of Business Open House during OnCyte Orientation and support Ivy's participation in Destination Iowa State and other undergraduate programs and events, including Ivy APEX, Ivy Expo, and Business Week.
• Collaborate with the Ivy Orientation Coordinator, New Student Programs, faculty, staff, and campus partners to coordinate programs and support a positive student and family experience.
• Serve as a key point of contact in the Undergraduate Student Services Office, assisting students and visitors, coordinating appointments, providing information, and supporting advising and Student Services staff.
• Co-supervise 8–9 student employees and support their scheduling, training, assignments, and day-to-day operations.
• Develop and distribute written, digital, and visual communications for students and families and support Student Services materials, social media, and display screens.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating or supporting student services, orientation, educational, or other programs.
• Experience using database systems, student information systems, or other systems to maintain and manage records.
• Experience coordinating events, schedules, logistics, or programs involving multiple participants or stakeholders.
• Experience developing written, digital, or visual communications and program materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, and familiarity with tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, education, student affairs, event planning, or a related field.

Why Join Us

You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a supportive, collaborative environment while making a meaningful impact on the student experience. You’ll play an important role in Ivy’s orientation program, one of the first significant experiences students and families have with Iowa State and the Ivy College of Business, and help ensure students feel welcomed, informed, and prepared to begin their college journey. While the role has established responsibilities and processes, you’ll also have opportunities to take on special projects, contribute to college initiatives, build your skills, and take on increasing responsibility. It’s an exciting time to join the team as we prepare to welcome the next generation of students!

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. The selected candidate will be hired as a Program Specialist I.

Benefits

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: PS806 Original Posting Date: September 10, 2026 Posting Close Date: September 22, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19916

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land‑grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land‑grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

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 [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.