Program Specialist I

Program Specialist I

Agency: Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Department: Transit Mobility

Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate

Job Location: Austin, Texas

Job Type: Staff

Job Description:

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 75 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

Our Mission and Vision

• Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society.
• Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer.

Our Work Environment

• Entrepreneurial culture
• Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty
• Ability to work with nationally recognized experts
• Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals
• Premier office and research facilities and equipment
• Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground
• Outstanding research support services
• Hybrid work environment/telecommuting
• Flexible work hours
• Family friendly
• High staff retention rates
• Leadership development and wellness programs
• Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)
• Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible)

Our Employee Benefits

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs.

What You Need To Know

• TTI is a Texas-based agency that supports a hybrid work environment. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, including remote and in-office work, subject to agency policy, operational needs, and supervisory approval. Details can be discussed during the interview process.
• The primary work station for this position is TTI Austin located at 505 East Huntland Drive, Suite 455Austin, Texas 78752. Employees are required to report in person to this location for their first 30 days of employment. After this period, a hybrid work arrangement may be approved at the agency's discretion, with TTI Austin remaining the primary work station.
• The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.
• A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee.
• In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Job Summary

The Program Specialist I, under general supervision, is responsible for providing specialized, administrative, and program support at the Austin office. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves in the role of Urban Office Liaison for the Austin Urban Office, delivering administrative support to supervisors and partnering with Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology to foster a collaborative environment. Identifies and problem solves for logistics and office operations. (30%)
• Provides administrative and program support to Austin Office Division Heads and Program Managers, and their respective teams, as desired by respective leaders. (25%)
• Develop and continuously improve operational procedures. (15%)
• Collects, prepares, analyzes, and updates financial data and other information related to project and program management. Prepares basic data collection tools and processes (using Excel or similar software). (15%)
• Creates, reviews, and helps deliver high-quality research reports, progress reports, proposals, and other complex documents. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• No prior experience required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Maintains attention to detail and utilizes sound judgment.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and email applications.
• Proficiency in developing office processes and procedures, including templates, tools, and supporting job aids.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of related work experience in a business environment including administrative or research support.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office environment, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Lists, Planner, and Forms.
• Prior experience with editing technical reports, proposal response assistance, presentation development, and Section 508 compliance.
• Experience working with and entering data into database applications.

Other Requirements or Other Factors:

• The standard in-office schedule for this position is Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may work remotely on Mondays and Fridays, with in-office attendance on those days required as needed based on business or operational requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform common office functions.
• Ability to frequently communicate with other individuals within the workplace.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.