Program Assistant

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.

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. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota
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Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

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 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

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. : (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). 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…