Program Specialist I

Program Specialist I

Texas A&M UniversityKingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region's premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution's 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.

Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.

Position Overview

The Workforce Development Program Specialist I, under general supervision, supports workforce training programs across a variety of industry sectors. The role includes recruiting, coordinating planning, implementation, and reporting for initiatives such as skilled trades, energy, and residential weatherization. The role also includes participant recruitment and outreach to ensure programs meet enrollment and completion targets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Coordination

• Assist the Director of the Javelina Skilled Trades Academy with planning, coordinating, and delivering workforce training programs.
• Coordinate course schedules, instructor assignments, classroom and laboratory availability.
• Conduct participant orientations for skilled trades, energy, and weatherization training programs.
• Support program testing, credentialing, and completion activities.
• Ensure training activities are delivered according to established schedules and quality standards.

Participant Records & Compliance

• Maintain accurate participant records, attendance, assessments, and credential attainment data.
• Enter and manage information in institutional databases and reporting systems.
• Prepare reports required for grants, contracts, and institutional performance metrics.
• Monitor participant progress and ensure documentation complies with funding requirements.
• Perform audits to verify the accuracy and completeness of program records.

Marketing & Recruitment

• Assist with developing promotional materials, presentations, flyers, and digital communications.
• Support recruitment events, information sessions, and community outreach activities.
• Coordinate logistics for workforce training events and special programs.
• Promote workforce education opportunities through university and community channels.

Project Administration

• Monitor milestones, timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
• Prepare administrative reports and updates for university leadership and funding agencies.
• Assist with implementation of grant-funded projects and special initiatives.
• Maintain project documentation supporting compliance and performance outcomes.
• Support continuous improvement efforts through data collection and program evaluation

Training Logistics

• Coordinate classrooms, laboratories, equipment, instructional materials, and supplies for workforce training programs.
• Prepare training spaces prior to instruction and ensure equipment is operational.
• Monitor inventory of instructional materials, tools, consumables, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and report repair or replacement needs.
• Ensure training facilities comply with university environmental health and safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education - Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, construction management, industrial technology, workforce development, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience -

• Experience coordinating technical instruction or workforce training.
• Experience with SharePoint, Excel, and other Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Requirements

• Three years of related project coordination or program administration experience preferred.
• Experience with NCCER curriculum, weatherization/energy efficiency programs, or skilled trades workforce initiatives strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of workforce development, continuing education, and program administration principles.
• Knowledge of project coordination, recordkeeping, data management, and grant compliance requirements.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint) and the ability to learn new software systems.
• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, employers, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.

Why Join the Javelina Nation?

Texas A&M UniversityKingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:

• A welcoming campus community
• Opportunities for professional development
• Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System
• A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals

Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University's culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK's Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.

4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey's 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here.

Caring Campus: TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change's Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees' well-being, professional growth, and financial security.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

With our generous benefit package, robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance:

• Medical
• $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
• Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
• Employee and Spouse
• Employee and Children
• Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-Campus Wellness Opportunities:

• TAMUK's Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Employee Tuition Assistance Program
• Book scholarships
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position