Program Specialist I

Position Title:
Program Specialist I

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree

Job Description:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

About the Department:

Located in the heart of Iowa State's campus, the Office of Student Financial Aid is a proud unit within the Division of Academic Affairs. We administer over $400 million in federal, state, institutional, and private aid annually-supporting more than 85% of undergraduate students and many domestic graduate students. Our mission is to empower students to succeed through financial support, education, and outreach. Our team values student success, accountability, innovation, collaboration, dignity and respect, and advocacy. We prioritize professional growth through staff retreats and conference opportunities, and we foster a collaborative environment that values each team member's strengths. If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a supportive, student-focused team-we invite you to apply and join us!

This is a term position with an end date of June 30, 2027, with the potential for renewal based on funding availability.

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.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io, or call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Toll Free: View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 30, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS806

Original Posting Date:
June 22, 2026

Posting Close Date:
July 5, 2026

Job Requisition Number:
R19480

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. View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

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.