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Program Development Specialist I

University of Texas at Dallas

Posted on Mar 27, 2026

Posting Number	S06936P
Position Title	Program Development Specialist I
Functional Title	Program Development Specialist I
Department	Undergraduate Education
Salary Range	$45,000
Pay Basis	Monthly
Position Status	Regular full-time
Location	Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date	03/26/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
Desired Start Date	05/01/2026
Job Summary	The Program Development Specialist (PDS) for the Comet Scholars Program in the Office of Undergraduate Education provides holistic support for program participants and contributes to all aspects of the program dedicated to the recruitment, selection, success, and post-graduation outcomes of Comet Scholars. Specifically, this role engages in strategic collaborations with various on-campus units, event planning, student advising, and administrative support for the Comet Scholars Program. The Program Specialist ensures high scholar engagement within the program and broader campus community by contributing to a welcoming program culture, producing quality event, social media, and other marketing content, and conducting outreach to Comet Scholars throughout the academic year. The primary functions of this role are to meet with program participants one-on-one to provide individualized guidance and to support the conceptualization and execution of Comet Scholar programming activities that facilitate achievement of academic and personal goals and provide students with opportunities to bond with each other.
Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor’s degree in related field; One (1) year of related experience, which may include relevant experience as a student employee in an academic or other professional setting. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Education and Experience	Master’s degree in progress or obtained in a related area from an accredited university is preferred. Three years of experience managing programs that serve populations with significant financial need. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required. Familiarity with conducting one-on-one meetings with students is preferred. Significant experience coordinating multiple projects is preferred. Ability to address multiple student issues simultaneously is preferred. Experience working in a fast-paced environment while providing excellent customer service is preferred. Background in handling and maintaining confidential student records is preferred. Experience working with PeopleSoft is preferred. Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite, including Power BI, is preferred. Experience working with Qualtrics is preferred. Experience working with Blackboard is preferred. Experience managing staff and student employees is preferred. Must be detail-oriented and possess strong written and oral communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Knowledge of best practices related to student advising or guided pathways is preferred. Familiarity with college admission and financial aid processes is preferred.
Other Qualifications	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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities	Advise a caseload of Comet Scholars through one-on-one meetings, providing individualized guidance on academic success, personal development, and resource access. Document meeting outcomes in a manner that allows for both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Maintain participant lists and program records. Collaborate with the Financial Aid Office, Office of Admissions, and other campus resources to ensure students receive support for any academic or financial needs. Assist with the conceptualization and execution of events, workshops, and information sessions that align with student needs. Develop and implement strategies to improve Comet Scholar engagement. Provide timely referrals and meeting follow-ups. Develop and maintain knowledge of important University resources and programs. Develop close relationships with multiple University departments. Be detail-oriented and have strong written and oral communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with people of different backgrounds. Assist with marketing content creation and management of the Comet Scholars social media platforms. Assist with the analysis of Comet Scholar academic performance and engagement. Ensure academic persistence and progress to graduation for all Comet Scholars. Produce reports related to individual performance and program outcomes. Represent the Comet Scholars Programs at recruitment and admissions events to engage prospective students and stakeholders. Support the scholar selection process by coordinating recruitment efforts and organizing selection committees. Supervise student workers, ensuring that they effectively support the program’s objectives and the scholars’ needs. Support other duties as assigned, which may include working after hours or on weekends based on program needs. Abides by Comet Scholars Program guidelines and the Code of Ethics as set forth by UT Dallas and The University of Texas System; complies with all State and University policies.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions	This position requires occasional evening or weekend work to support scholars’ events and university programs. Remote work is available for two days a week.
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information	Remote Notice: After the probationary period, this role may be eligible for a hybrid (partly remote/partly in office) work schedule, subject to business need and manager approval. May be required to use personal computer and other standard office equipment. Must be located within the DFW Area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice. A UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement will be required within 14 days after approval. What We Can Offer UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes: Competitive Salary Tuition Benefits Internal Training BCBS PPO Medical insurance – 100% paid for full-time employees PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan – PPO plans include ortho benefits Vision Insurance Long and short-term disability TRS Retirement Plan – defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement Voluntary Retirement Plan Options – additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans Dental/Vision/AD&D Paid time off Paid Holidays Paid Winter Break Fertility Benefits Remote Work Options – approved by department All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program. Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information. If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team!
Special Instructions Summary
Important Message	1) 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. 2) 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*.

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