Program Specialist I

University of Texas at Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas

Administration · Full-time

USD 50k-52,500 / month

Posted on Sep 30, 2026
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Posting Number S07263P
Position Title Program Specialist I
Functional Title Program Specialist - Peer Learning & Development
Department Undergraduate Education
Salary Range $50,000 - $52,500
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 09/29/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Desired Start Date
Job Summary
The Learning and Develop Program Specialist develops and manages professional development, training, events, and learning initiatives that support the success of the Student Success Center’s (SSC) peer leaders, professional staff, and campus partners. This position coordinates the Institute of Peer Education and leads the development and implementation of peer leader training, aligned with College Reading and Learning Association and other professional standards, providing development opportunities across the SSC and with campus partners.

The program specialist reports to the assistant director of the SSC and will require some evening and weekend hours for programming delivered to students outside of regular operating hours.
Minimum Education and Experience

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.
Preferred Education and Experience
3-5 years in higher education programming, Master’s Degree

This position requires high quality written and verbal communication skills. This position should possess excellent interpersonal skills and have the ability to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. A successful candidate is a problem solver who will be able to facilitate solutions quickly and consistently. This position is eligible for limited remote work opportunities after training is complete.

Required Skills and Abilities
Ability to work with, relate to, and communicate effectively with students.
• Analyze and review program trends and make adjustments in real time.
• Accept feedback from both student leaders and professional staff – be able to
adjust accordingly.
• Serve as a liaison between students, faculty, staff and other departments and/or
external constituencies on a day-to-day programmatic, operational, and
administrative and fiscal issues.
• Connect students to proper resources at UTD inside and outside of the Office of
Undergraduate Education.
• Serve on campus committees and working groups as needed.
• Prepare clear, concise and complete reports and other written material.
• Make effective presentations
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
  • Develop, implement, and assess comprehensive training and professional development opportunities for SSC peer leaders, including onboarding, ongoing training, leadership development, and specialized professional development.
  • Manage the day-to-day operations and continuous improvement in alignment with CRLA standards and emerging best practices for the Institute of Peer Education (IPE), including development of training curriculum and resources, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience. Cultivate and leverage campus-wide partnerships to expand participation in IPE.
  • Serve as a resource for CRLA certification and professional standards, maintaining current knowledge of requirements, coordinating documentation, and leading re-certification efforts.
  • Coordinate all logistical aspects of SSC student leader training and major student programs, including Summer Success Camps and other SSC-wide initiatives.
  • Develop and coordinate SSC-wide professional development, engagement, and community-building initiatives for student leaders and professional staff, including welcome-back events, team leader events, professional staff development opportunities, and appreciation events.
  • Establish and maintain assessment practices to evaluate student leader training, professional development, and engagement initiatives. Use assessment findings to continuously improve the IPE and SSC-wide programming.
  • Connect students to proper resources at UTD inside and outside of the Office of Undergraduate Education.
  • Other opportunities for working with student leaders and developing teams can be assigned upon need of the SSC team.
  • Collaborate with the SSC Leadership Team and other full-time staff as needed for Student Success Center programming.
  • Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of student peer leaders/tutors for various SSC program teams.
  • Work with University Career Center to manage student employee hiring.
  • Design strategic assessment goals with learning outcomes for specific programs and design assessment tools to gauge success each semester
  • Create opportunities to market the SSC through preparing for and staffing tabling events, SSC events, and other outreach opportunities.
  • Build relationships with faculty and staff on campus to stay up to date on needs of undergraduate students.
  • Work within a CRM based platform for student referrals.
  • Maintain working knowledge of the university and the SSC’s online tools, including Canvas, AI Tools, Blackboard, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Handshake, CRM and Qualtrics.
  • Attend and present at yearly conferences including the International Learning Center Association (ICLCA), College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) and Texas chapter of the ICLCA – TxNCLCA.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
Attendance at University events in the evening and on weekends may be requested. Serves as a representative of the University, displaying respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

Remote Work 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. 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
  • 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, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

About Us
UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.
Let us be your employer of choice! #WHOOSH
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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