Program Assistant I

Program Assistant I Join a team dedicated to supporting student success through exceptional service and financial aid expertise. The Office of Financial Aid at South Dakota State University is seeking a detail-oriented and student-focused professional to help administer a variety of federal, state, and institutional aid programs. This position plays a key role in guiding students and families through the financial aid process and contributes to the effective operation of financial aid services across campus. 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. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position. Job Responsibilities: Assist in the administration of federal, state, university, and other financial aid programs, including the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program, Federal Nursing and Health Professions Loan Programs, and Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals. Independently implement work processes, develop procedures, and make decisions based on Financial Aid Office policies and applicable federal and state regulations. Interpret program guidelines and requirements to provide accurate information and guidance to students, families, and campus stakeholders. Support Financial Aid Office staff with ongoing projects and initiatives related to the administration of aid programs. Deliver high-quality customer service by offering timely, clear, and helpful assistance to students and families navigating the financial aid process. Benefits: 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, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of: Computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, Teams, and PowerPoint Customer service practices Skill & Ability to: Interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations Exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations, making decisions, and prioritizing work Administer financial aid processes and apply federal needs-analysis formula, federal awarding methodology, and professional judgment decisions Strong attention to detail Ability to interpret and follow procedures Illustrate strong written communication skills Demonstrate strong verbal communication skills Strong interpersonal skills including ability to easily develop and maintain rapport with students, and other constituents Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment, build effective working relationships with peers, supervisors, and others Apply basic accounting skills and use algebra to add subtract and to calculate percentages and ratios Maintain confidentiality Preferred Qualifications: One year of financial aid experience Minimum of 1 year of experience working in Higher Education Minimum 1 year of experience with customer service Experience working with student information systems such as Banner Student/Financial Aid One or more National Association of Financial Aid Administrators credentials Application Procedures: SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit 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 page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements: Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Pace-fast, Perform calculations Protective Clothing/Equipment: If other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements: Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Repetitive Motion Describe any of the conditions selected: General office work. Must be able to use keyboard, answer phones, and assist students at front counter. Sensory Requirements: Hearing, Near Vision, Speaking Working Conditions & Exposures: Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above Working Environment: Office Environment Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Where did you hear about this position? LinkedIn SDBOR Employment Site South Dakota Department of Labor Employee Referral Department Announcement / Inside State Handshake Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify Industry Conference Search Engine - Please specify Employment Agency - Please specify Newspaper - Please specify HigherEdJobs.com Chronicle of Higher Education Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify Radio - Please specify APLU List Servs - Please specify Alumni Other - Please specify Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Reference List Optional Documents