Program Specialist I

Requirements

• 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:
• 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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
• 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
• 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.

Benefits

Additional Information

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.

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