THECB - Program Specialist V; Student Success

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply.

This position provides administrative support for Student Success and Institutional Partnerships programs and activities. Performs grant, contract, and program management with advanced consultative services and technical assistance work with constituencies in identifying, overseeing, and assessing initiatives and strategies designed to efficiently and effectively support persistence and completions for underprepared students. Coordinates and implements grant programs and projects supporting the acceleration and success of learners underprepared for higher education.

Works closely with faculty members and support staff, institutional administrators, departmental chairs and directors at institutions of higher education to identify and implement strategies and practices, including corequisite models that help achieve the goals of the state’s plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas. Also communicates and collaborates with K12 partners in support of improving college readiness rates for students entering higher education directly from high school.

Work is performed under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position reports to the Senior Director, College Readiness and Student Success.

• Serves as a program and grant manager for key initiatives (e.g., College Readiness Success Models Grant Program), including providing technical assistance to institutions on state laws, policies, and federal requirements, as well as overseeing fiscal activities (e.g., reporting, compliance, and risk management).
• Provides consultation and technical assistance to institutions engaged in initiatives and projects supporting the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) and college readiness.
• Tracks and analyzes assigned legislation and prepares legislative reports for submission to appropriate agency leadership, the Coordinating Board, and legislative offices.
• Maintains unit processes related to budget and communications and provides regular updates and recommendations to director and division leadership.
• Collaborates in the development, coordination, and implementation of projects and initiatives for underprepared students.
• Organizes events, including planning of, contracting for, and implementation of meetings.
• Regularly reviews work processes and procedures and makes recommendations to improve efficiencies and effectiveness.
• Reviews data and research related to promising and best practices for college readiness, developmental education, and other related topics, and provides updates to the Coordinating Board staff, the Board, and other stakeholders.
• Develops Requests for Proposals/Applications, contracts, and Memorandums of Understanding, and other related documents for readiness and success projects.
• Represents the agency to a variety of audiences and in various formats in delivering oral and written presentations.
• Works collaboratively in a fast-paced environment as a team member with other members of the Division, agency, and other state offices in achieving the goals and objectives of the strategic plan for higher education.
• Participates in staff, committee, advisory, and intra-agency meetings.
• Maintains the necessary level of work to carry out the position’s responsibilities by performing the job’s essential duties and functions, including attending work regularly and reliably.
• Applies appropriate Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act standards at all times.
• Assists in developing and updating program policies, rules, procedures, standards, documents, and manuals in accordance with established goals, rules, and statutes.
• Travels up to 20 percent of time, including overnight.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of Texas higher education laws and regulations, including specific knowledge of programs and initiatives serving underprepared students.
• Knowledge of current developmental and adult education research, practice, and…