Program Specialist I

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Make a direct impact on student success by helping coordinate and strengthen student employment programs that build career readiness and meaningful work experience while in college. The Program Specialist I ensures programs are compliant with federal and institutional regulations while coordinating key operational details including position approvals, partner onboarding, staffing logistics, and communication with campus partners such as HR, Payroll, and Finance. This role also supports budget monitoring, program evaluation, training coordination, and engagement efforts that promote student employment opportunities and recognize student employees and supervisors. This role supports the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs such as federal work-study, on-campus employment, community service opportunities, Undergraduate Research Assistantships, and off-campus partnerships. This role is a strong fit for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple moving pieces in a fast-paced environment. Successful candidates are collaborative relationship-builders who can work across campus and community partners, communicate clearly, interpret regulations, and balance compliance with student-centered program development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education student support or financial aid administration.
Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional work-study regulations.
Program development and project management experience.
Experience working with data management and reporting systems, specifically Workday.
Experience working with schools or community-based organizations.
Experience designing and delivering trainings or workshops.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and strengthen student employment programs.
Ensure programs are compliant with federal and institutional regulations.
Coordinate key operational details including position approvals, partner onboarding, staffing logistics, and communication with campus partners.
Support budget monitoring, program evaluation, training coordination, and engagement efforts.
Promote student employment opportunities and recognize student employees and supervisors.
Support the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs such as federal work-study, on-campus employment, community service opportunities, Undergraduate Research Assistantships, and off-campus partnerships.