Academy Operations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position: Academy Operations Specialist 

Classification: Exempt 

Compensation Range: $55K - $60K 

Location: Austin, TX 

Work Type: Remote 

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm CT 

Reports To: Head of The Academy 

Company Description:  

For years, most people didn’t understand risk, insurance, or the policies themselves. Yet, back in 1969, a small group of Texas independent agents knew the truth: with a structured curriculum and practical, real-life education beyond theory, they could ignite an entire industry of skilled professionals. Together with University of Texas educators, these pioneering agents formed the industry’s first nonprofit training and CE credit resource. Along the way, we’ve built a genuine community of professionals who succeed and thrive. For decades, we’ve impacted millions of professionals with our practical education. Like us, they’re dedicated to lifelong learning and collaboration. Our participants understand their career potential and gain a real workplace advantage. Today, our education and networks continue to evolve and expand. We are trusted to lead the risk management and insurance industry through change. The Risk & Insurance Education Alliance ensures no one must go it alone. We’ve made success a group activity. 

Mission:  

We are committed to creating professionals through practical education and technical guidance to lead the risk management and insurance industry of the future, for the common good. 

Core Values:  

The educational programs and research conducted by The Risk & Insurance Education Alliance were built on a foundation of Innovation , Imagination, Integrity, and Inspiration . These qualities commit us to act responsibly, to be accountable for our actions, to fulfil our obligations, and to inspire others with our relentless determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. 

Our Benefits:  

• 17 Paid Holidays- Closed the week between Christmas Eve and New Years Day 
• Medical, Dental Vision, & Supplemental Insurance 
• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Company Paid Long Term Disability 
• Company Paid Life Insurance  
• Vacation, Sick, Birthday, & Volunteering Paid Time Off 
• 401K- 4.5% Match  
• Paid Parental Leave  
• Employee Referral Program 
• Book Club 
• Company Happy Hours  

Position Description:  

The Academy Operations Specialist is responsible for coordinating projects, managing internal workflows, and supporting the smooth execution of programs across departments. This role ensures that initiatives such as content development, scholarship programs, and strategic partnerships stay on track through effective task management, timeline tracking, and cross-team communication. The Operations Specialist also assists with essential administrative and operational processes that keep day-to-day functions running efficiently. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and thrives in a collaborative environment dedicated to advancing professional education in the risk and insurance industry.

Responsibilities:  

• Coordinate Academy projects and meetings by maintaining timelines, preparing agendas, documenting decisions and action items, confirming responsibilities, and following up to ensure commitments are completed. 
• Maintain project plans, calendars, workflows, and documentation in Monday.com and other designated systems; proactively address or escalate delays, ownership gaps, dependencies, and operational risks. 
• Coordinate communication and engagement with prospective and participating high schools, including initial follow-up, program information, transition into technical onboarding, routine reengagement, and monitoring of participation and credential progress. 
• Coordinate the production and publication of Academy content by maintaining schedules, tracking required materials and approvals, communicating with marketing, monitoring deadlines, and confirming completion. 
• Coordinate the operational execution of Academy programs and events, including Virtual Career Connections and other live or cohort-based initiatives, by managing schedules, communications, materials, and follow-up activities. 
• Administer Academy scholarship processes, including application communications, applicant support, review coordination, selection notifications, recipient documentation, and payment follow-up. 
• Gather program updates, participation information, and data for reports, presentations, dashboards, and the Emerging Talent Annual Report. 
• Develop and maintain workflows, standard operating procedures, templates, and shared resources that improve consistency and operating continuity. 
• Monitor Academy inquiries, respond to routine questions, route specialized requests appropriately, and track unresolved items through completion. 
• Participate in Academy planning and strategy discussions, providing operational insight regarding timelines, capacity, dependencies, and potential challenges. 
• Attend tradeshows, partner meetings, and other program-related events as needed, and perform other duties consistent with the purpose and responsibilities of the position. 
• Other duties as assigned.  

Required Education & Experience  

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Monday.com) & Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Ability to learn new systems quickly, work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across teams and with external stakeholders. 
• Exposure to education, professional development, or the insurance and risk management industry is a plus. 
• Familiarity with Risk & Insurance Education Alliance is a plus but not required. 

Supervisor Responsibilities:  

• This position does not supervise any employees. 

Work Environment:  

• This position is remote and can be performed from our climate-controlled office, with normal office noise. It may also be performed from a location of your choosing, in the city and state you were hired in.  

Physical & Position Demands:  

• The physical demands of this job include sitting in a stationary position in an office environment. 
• Home office set up is highly encouraged and the company will provide the necessary tools to ensure you have an effective and comfortable workspace.  

The Risk & Insurance Education Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.