Program Specialist

Salary Range $50,000 - $55,000, Dependent on Qualifications

Pay Basis Monthly

Position Status Regular full-time

Location

Position End Date (if temporary)

Posting Open Date 07/21/2026

Posting Close Date 08/12/2026

Open Until Filled No

Desired Start Date 08/24/2026

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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…