Program assistant jobs in West Fargo, ND - 50 jobs

Description & Details: The Agricultural Risk Policy Center (ARPC) and the Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies (CAPTS) at North Dakota State University conduct high-impact research on agricultural policy and trade policy, risk management, and market disruptions. Our work informs decision-makers in Congress, USDA, Bismarck, and international policy circles while providing critical insights to producers and stakeholders across North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. We are seeking a Program Coordinator to join our team and provide comprehensive support across project administration, outreach, and leadership functions. This position is central to the successful execution of our federally funded research portfolio and the broader visibility of our centers. Primary Responsibilities Program and Project Administration (50% of Time): * Coordinate daily management of federally funded research projects, ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations and NDSU policies with the Director. * Develop project schedules, track deliverables, and monitor progress against timelines and milestones. * Manage financial operations, including budget forecasting, expenditure tracking, account reconciliation, and preparation of financial reports with the Associate Business Coordinator. * Process travel, procurement, reimbursements, payroll, and HR documentation for staff and students in collaboration with the Associate Business Coordinator. * Support grant preparation and submission by gathering administrative documents, drafting budgets, and coordinating with the Grant Coordinator. * Provide logistical support for events, workshops, and conferences, including travel arrangements, venue coordination, and communication with participants. * Travel (primarily domestic, occasional international) 2 to 4 times per year to support conferences, stakeholder events, and research project operations. Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement Support (20% of Time): * Support outreach activities in coordination with the Communications Specialist by handling logistics, registration, travel coordination, and sponsor compliance. * Maintain stakeholder databases and assist in tracking engagement for reporting. * Contribute to grant-required dissemination activities by ensuring accurate documentation of outreach efforts and related expenditures. Support to the Center Director (30% of Time): * Assist the Center Director with administrative tasks, including calendar management, meeting preparation, correspondence, and documentation. * Prepare draft reports, briefing materials, and internal planning documents. * Coordinate cross-project team communications, ensuring adequate flow of information among staff, students, and external collaborators. * Serve as a resource for troubleshooting and problem-solving on operational issues. Work Schedule: Full-time, 12-month, Why Join Us? * Shape impactful agricultural policy research. As the Program Coordinator, you will be at the core of major federally funded projects that directly inform U.S. agricultural risk and trade policy. Your contributions ensure that research moves smoothly from idea to implementation. * Engage in diverse, meaningful work. The role spans project administration, financial oversight, HR support, event planning, and strategic coordination. No two days look alike, and you will gain hands-on experience in all facets of running a research center. * Collaborate with leading experts. You will work side by side with researchers, graduate students, and policy stakeholders who are advancing the national conversation on agriculture, trade, and risk management. * Travel and represent NDSU. You will occasionally travel to conferences, workshops, and stakeholder events across the U.S., playing a vital role in connecting research to practice. * Grow professionally in a supportive environment. This position offers exposure to federal research administration, grant compliance, and strategic operations, skills highly valued in academia, government, and nonprofit sectors. * Be part of a nationally visible program. ARPC and CAPTS are known for producing timely, sponsor-grade analyses that inform policymakers at the state, national, and international levels. Your work will help sustain and expand that visibility. Hiring Range: $50,443-$67,245 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations. Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field. * Two or more years of demonstrated experience in project or office administration in an academic, nonprofit, or research setting. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with financial management and grant administration. * Knowledge of university or research center HR and payroll processes. * Familiarity with federally funded research projects (USDA, NSF, or related agencies). * Experience coordinating events or travel logistics. * Proactive planning/execution of day-to-day operations. * Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in close collaboration with diverse teams. Core Competencies: * Strong organizational skills and proven ability to manage multiple priorities. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with project management or financial systems. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Applicant Materials Required: * Cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. * Curriculum vitae. NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS! Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits: * Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan * Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account * Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire * Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation * Superb Retirement Plan * Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position * Basic Term Life Insurance * Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year) * Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver) * Paid Leave - including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays * Employee Assistance Program * Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans * More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU About Us: North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country. NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach. Equal Opportunity Statement: NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, ************, ******************. No Smoking Notice: As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10. Veteran's Preference Notice: This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements. Reasonable Accommodation Information: North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at ************ or ****************.