Program Specialist – Initiatives; JSOM

Program Specialist I – First Year Initiatives (JSOM)

Job Summary:

The Program Specialist I supports the design, implementation, and assessment of first-year initiatives aimed at improving student transition, engagement, and retention. This role manages a caseload of first-year students, providing proactive outreach, consistent check-ins, and individualized support to help students successfully navigate their first year.

In addition, the Program Specialist teaches and coordinates multiple sections of the First Year Seminar (FYS) course, leading curriculum delivery, fostering student engagement, and facilitating classroom instruction. The role collaborates closely with campus partners to deliver programming aligned with institutional goals related to persistence and four-year graduation rates.

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.

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field
• Experience teaching, co‑teaching, or facilitating first‑year seminar or similar courses
• Knowledge of student success strategies, retention practices, and early alert systems
• Ability to analyze student data and implement targeted interventions

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, maintaining the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification.

• Manage a caseload of first‑year students through proactive outreach, regular check‑ins, and individualized support
• Teach and facilitate up to five First Year Seminar courses, including supporting curriculum delivery and student engagement
• Identify barriers to student success and connect students to appropriate campus resources and interventions
• Develop and implement programming that enhances the first‑year student experience and supports retention
• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and campus partners to support student success initiatives
• Track student interactions and utilize data to inform outreach strategies and improve program outcomes

Work will be performed on‑site and in person.

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee‑friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package effective as of your hire date includes:

• 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, Linked In Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

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. 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.

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

• Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Please describe any relevant experience you have working with students, including the age group(s) involved (e.g., college, high school). (Open Ended Question)