Job Description

Posting Details
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Institution South Dakota State University
Working Title Program Assistant I
Posting Number CSA02576P
Department SDSU-Financial Aid
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text
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.
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 .
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Job Responsibilities: 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.

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:

• Rules and requirements for all State of South Dakota-sponsored scholarship programs
• General accounting principles
• 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
• Reconcile multiple accounts
• Problem solve
• 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

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.
Posting Date 01/13/2026
Closing Date 01/20/2026
Open Until Filled No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary $20.89 - $23.49/hour, depending upon qualifications, plus benefits
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
This is a Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 position with occasional overtime, evening , and weekend hours.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires No Requirement
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

Skills Required