Program Project Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Program Project Specialist

Employee Classification: Program Project Specialist

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Research & Innovation

Sub Division-Department: UNT-Research & Innovation

Department: UNT-Toulouse Grad Sch-Dean's Off-142100

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Salary to commensurate with experience. Salary range: 49,000 - 59,000

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at

Department Summary

The Toulouse Graduate School within the Division of Research & Innovation promotes and supports graduate student education by overseeing graduate student programs, professional development, and graduate student research engagement. TGS collaborates with departments in recruitment, admissions, and enrollment services to support and enhance the UNT graduate student experience and help students succeed both academically and in their future careers.

Position Overview

The Program Project Specialist for Graduate Commencement and Events coordinates and implements all aspects of graduate commencement planning and execution for the Toulouse Graduate School. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation, this position serves as the primary coordinator for graduate commencement activities, working closely with the Registrar's Office, academic colleges, university partners, graduates, and guests to ensure successful ceremonies and a positive student experience. The position also supports Division of Research and Innovation events, special projects, and other operational activities that advance the division's strategic goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and one year of related experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Skill in event planning and management.
• Skill in networking across departments and programs.
• Ability to communicate and work with a diverse population.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work evenings, nights and weekends as necessary.
• Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
• Ability to engage students and to create and enhance their connection to the institution and each other.
• Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in a higher education.
• Experience using PeopleSoft and Microsoft Office software.
• Availability to work extended hours during events as required.

Job Duties

• Coordinate Graduate Student Commencement Operations: Plan, organize, and implement all graduate commencement activities, including timelines, communications, logistics, ceremony coordination, and student support in collaboration with the Registrar's Office and campus partners.
• Manage Graduate Student Commencement Communications and Student Services: Serve as the primary point of contact for graduates, academic units, and university stakeholders regarding commencement processes, eligibility, participation requirements, and event-related communications.
• Support Research and Innovation Events and Special Programs: Assist with the planning and execution of Division of Research and Innovation events, recognition programs, workshops, and special initiatives that support research, graduate education, and student success.
• Other projects and duties as assigned by supervisor: Perform administrative, operational, and special project responsibilities in support of the Toulouse Graduate School and other units within the Division of Research and Innovation.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. 

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected. 

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. Some evenings and weekends as required to work events.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.