Program Assistant I

Program Assistant I

Black Hills State University is seeking applicants for a part-time, benefit eligible Program Assistant I in the Sponsored Programs Office.

Duties:

• Assist Principal Investigators / Project Directors (PI/PDs) before grant submissions and throughout projects to identify research training requirements, send reminders, and track completions
• Assist PI/PDs with monitoring project budgets; run monthly and ad hoc grants accounting reports
• Maintain involvement with Institutional Animal Use and Care Committee, Human Subjects Committee, and Institutional Biosafety Committee to ensure grantees have obtained appropriate approvals prior to starting research for which protocols are required
• Assist PI/PDs in understanding allowable costs and provide guidance for obtaining approvals for budget changes
• Send reminder/notices to PI/PDs (project reporting, effort reporting, grant ending notices, etc.)
• Maintain multiple tracking processes (proposals, reporting, awards, close-outs. effort reports, etc.)
• Provide entry-level training and instruction templates for new PI/PDs on Banner system and regarding institutional policies and procedures and general grant/contract compliance requirements
• Support Grant Director, IRB Chair and IRB Committee with minutes, record-keeping and reporting requirements
• Support other grants office functions such as drafting standard documents; creating and maintaining email distribution lists, maintaining Jacket Connect webpage for grants, etc.
• Maintain office supplies and equipment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Communicate professionally and clearly both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty and staff
• Understand IRB approvals, budget compliance, and other federal and institutional requirements for grantees
• Translate compliance requirements into institutional terms for faculty and staff
• Facilitate good, effective resolutions to problems and issues
• Strong proficiency in technology, along with ability to help grantees navigate the necessary technology to monitor and track compliance
• Maintain confidentiality
• Excellent organizational skills

Comments:

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at Please attach a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information of at least three professional references. This position is open until filled with a first review date of September 22, 2026 at 11PM MDT. For application assistance, contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Questions specific to the position may be directed to Sheri Gunderson at View email address on click.appcast.io. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Cassie Maser at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Employment is dependent upon a satisfactory background check.

Posting Date - 09/16/2026

Open Until Filled - Yes

First Consideration Date - 09/22/2026

Advertised Salary - $21.41/hr

Duration of the Term - 12 months

Appointment Percent - 50

Work Hours - Regular office hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week - 20 hours

Appointment Type - Regular

Scope of Search - External (includes Internal)

This position requires - No Requirement

Department Description and Cultural Expectations - Black Hills State University is a masters-level state university with more than 3,600 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business (AACSB-Accredited), exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences and education. The University, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, S.D., is recognized as one of the top 10 most livable small towns in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational opportunities. A second location, BHSU-RC, is in Rapid City, the state's second-largest city. BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 14 sports, and has a legacy of champion rodeo teams.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement - Black Hills State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black Hills State University and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.

Working Conditions:

Cognitive Requirements:

Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment:

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements:

Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands

Describe any of the conditions selected - This is primarily computer work, which will mainly require sitting at a desk and typing.

Sensory Requirements:

Hearing, Near Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

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:

1. Where did you hear about this position?
   • SDBOR Employment Site
   • BHSU Website
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • SD Department of Labor
   • Rapid City Journal
   • Black Hills Pioneer
   • Referral
   • Other

Documents Needed to Apply:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List
4. Other