South Dakota State University is seeking a Program Coordinator to support the mission of Lucas P. Wintrode Autism Support Services. This role contributes to student engagement, program coordination, campus outreach, and the development of peer support opportunities. The position helps foster an inclusive environment and ensures students have access to resources that promote their overall success and well‑being. This position is located in Brookings, SDThis position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position
The College of Education and Human Sciences focuses on enhancing human potential by centering on the improvement of human life and community through the promotion of mental, physical, and financial health.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support autistic students through individualized coaching that promotes academic success, social engagement, and personal development
- Coordinate, design, and implement targeted programming aligned with the mission of Lucas P. Wintrode Autism Support Services
- Lead campus outreach efforts to build awareness, foster partnerships, and create an inclusive environment for autistic students
- Recruit students and manage the development of peer mentorship opportunities
- Supervise peers, graduate assistants, and student workers to ensure consistent, high‑quality support services
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.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- 4 year college degree in Education, Special Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Affiars, Higher Education, Psychology, or any closely related degrees.
- 3-5 years of related experience
- Experience working with autistic individuals in educational or support settings
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with students, staff, and campus partners
- Organizational and program‑coordination skills to support events, activities, and student services
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work collaboratively and contribute to an inclusive, supportive environment
- Supervisory experience with student staff, peers, or similar roles
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in education, counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field
- Professional certifications related to Autism
- Experience developing or facilitating workshops, trainings, or student programs
- Knowledge of inclusive practices that support student belonging and well‑being
- Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across campus units or community organizations
APPLICATION PROCESS:
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, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
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.