Program Specialist

Position Details Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000, Dependent on Qualifications Pay Basis: Monthly Position Status: Regular full-time Location: Richardson Desired Start Date: 08/24/2026 Job Summary Founded in 2024, the UT Dallas Initiative for Civic Leadership empowers tomorrow's civic leaders today. Housed in the School of Economic, Political and Public Policy Sciences, the Initiative provides talented undergraduate students from across UT Dallas with the opportunity to learn and intern with local government and community organizations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The Initiative for Civic Leadership is seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative team player to serve as Program Specialist. This position provides direct support for Initiative for Civic Leadership operations, focusing on administrative coordination of daily operations, communications, and recruitment. A successful candidate will be public service-minded and interested in the Initiative for Civic Leadership's mission. The position requires attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to meet deadlines. Candidates must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills, the ability to support faculty and students while completing tasks in a fast-paced environment. As a new program, candidates must also be capable of developing a new program and display a high degree of professional judgement and ability to engage in self-directed work. Candidates must possess a high level of integrity and professionalism, always keeping sensitive information confidential. The desired employee is exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, possesses excellent customer service skills, is a collaborative team player, and is able to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner. Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field, with a minimum of four years of experience in program/project development or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Education and Experience Must be exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and possess excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience performing complex administrative functions at a college/university or relevant professional setting. Experience recruiting for university experiential learning or study away programs. Proven ability to work with different stakeholders and foster an atmosphere of respect and civility. Project management experience. Experience coordinating business meetings and travel arrangements. Experience preparing and editing correspondence. Intermediate or advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite and shared document platforms including: Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook, Power BI, and SharePoint. Other Qualifications To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Operations Manages the Initiative for Civic Leadership's general email inbox and responds, resolves, or assigns inquiries to appropriate person. Coordinates logistics for Initiative-related events and meetings. Meet with students and fellows on an as needed basis for advising related to Initiative program requirements. Maintain a SharePoint database of current and former fellows. Recruitment & Admissions Coordinates scheduling and communications for Initiative for Civic Leadership recruitment activities, including information sessions and outreach. Manages communications with prospective students. Maintains records, files, and spreadsheets related to recruitment and admissions. Oversees the online application for the Initiative for Civic Leadership and application processing, addressing questions that arise for candidates and/or recommenders. May participate in recruitment events and activities, including information sessions or participating in candidate interviews. Additional Information Work Notice Work will be performed on-site and in person. Evening and weekend hours and travel may be required. What We Can Offer UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes: Competitive Salary Tuition Benefits BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options - including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees AD&D Insurance Dental & Vision Plan Options Long and short-term disability TRS Retirement Plan Fertility Benefits Paid time off All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program. Visit for more information. Important Message 1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public. 2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator. #J-18808-Ljbffr