Program Assistant I

South Dakota State University’s (SDState) Student Engagement Center is seeking a dependable, proactive and detail oriented Program Assistant I to support and advance the mission of the Student Engagement Center—including the Office of Student Accessibility—by providing strategic leadership in office management, customer service, communications, and student success initiatives.

The Student Engagement Center supports student success by creating connection and community that fosters academic, personal and professional growth. We proactively remove barriers and design pathways to ensure opportunity for all students to succeed. The Student Engagement Center brings together key departments with similar responsibilities to strengthen collaboration and elevate service to students. Departments within the Student Engagement Center include Veterans Services and Engagement, American Indian Student Center, International Student and Scholar Engagement, Office of Student Accessibility, and Student Connection and Engagement.

This position is located in Brookings, SD. 

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities: 

This position is responsible for:

• Overseeing daily operations such as budget administration, records management, supply procurement, and departmental reporting to ensure efficiency and accountability. 
• Leading the development and dissemination of clear, engaging, and mission-aligned communications for internal (student, faculty and staff) and external stakeholders to strengthen departmental credibility and visibility which includes collaborating to create accurate and accessible website content, and to ensure consistent, effective communication. 
• Assisting in the design, implementation, and assessment of student success initiatives to promote engagement, persistence, and retention. 
• Providing leadership in the training and support of students, student workers, and faculty using the Accommodate digital platform, ensuring access to accommodations and services.
• Serving as a liaison among faculty, students, textbook publishers, external service providers, and student employees to facilitate aspects of the accommodation process. 
• Upholding strict confidentiality and compliance with FERPA and institutional policies while cultivating student-centered practices and fostering collaborative stakeholder relationships.

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: 

• Processes pertaining to general clerical duties and customer service practices
• Student information systems 
• Basic accounting and budgeting
• The Office of Student Accessibility and the entire Student Engagement Center.
• BOR, state, and federal laws

Skill & Ability to: 

• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating conflicts and making decisions effectively to meet needs of the position
• Communicate information both in a written and verbal manner in a concise and clear manner 
• Plan and project needs in terms of office management and staff support.

Application Procedures: 

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit:  https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, 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.