Program Specialist I

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Austin (TX)

Hybrid

USD 52,000 - 68,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get a reply from this employer

Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Flexible work hours

Relocation assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) in Austin, Texas, seeks a Program Specialist I to provide administrative and program support for the Austin office. The role requires coordination with Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology to foster a collaborative environment and to help develop efficient office procedures.

You will collect and analyze financial data, support project management, and assist in preparing research reports and proposals.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combined with experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication.
Ability to multi-task and collaborate.
Proficiency with Excel and Word.
Experience in administrative or program support preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as Urban Office Liaison delivering administrative support.
Provide admin and program support to Austin Office Heads and teams.
Develop and improve operational procedures.
Collect, analyze, and update financial data for projects.
Create and deliver high-quality research reports and proposals.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title Program Specialist I Agency Texas A&M Transportation Institute Department Transit Mobility Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Austin, Texas Job Type Staff

Job Description

Who are we? The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 75 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

Our Vision

TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society.

Our Mission

TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer.

Work Environment

Entrepreneurial culture
Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty
Ability to work with nationally recognized experts
Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals
Premier office and research facilities and equipment
Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground
Outstanding research support services
Hybrid work environment/telecommuting
Flexible work hours
Family friendly
High staff retention rates
Leadership development and wellness programs
Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements
Relocation assistance (if eligible)
Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible)

Our Employee Benefits

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs. https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/

What you need to know

TTI is a Texas-based agency that supports a hybrid work environment. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, including remote and in-office work, subject to agency policy, operational needs, and supervisory approval. Details can be discussed during the interview process. The primary work station for this position is TTI Austin located at 505 East Huntland Drive, Suite 455 Austin, Texas 78752. Employees are required to report in person to this location for their first 30 days of employment. After this period, a hybrid work arrangement may be approved at the agency's discretion, with TTI Austin remaining the primary work station. The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Job Summary

The Program Specialist I, under general supervision, is responsible for providing specialized, administrative, and program support at the Austin office. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Serves in the role of Urban Office Liaison for the Austin Urban Office, delivering administrative support to supervisors and partnering with Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology to foster a collaborative environment. (30%)
Provides administrative and program support to Austin Office Division Heads and Program Managers, and their respective teams, as desired by respective leaders. (25%)
Develop and continuously improve operational procedures. (15%)
Collects, prepares, analyzes, and updates financial data and other information related to project and program management. Prepares basic data collection tools and processes (using Excel or similar software). (15%)
Creates, reviews, and helps deliver high-quality research reports, progress reports, proposals, and other complex documents. (10%)
Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience. No prior experience required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
Maintains attention to detail and utilizes sound judgment.
Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and email applications.
Proficiency in developing office processes and procedures, including templates, tools, and supporting job aids.

Preferred Qualifications

Three years of related work experience in a business environment including administrative or research support.
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office environment, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Lists, Planner, and Forms.
Prior experience with editing technical reports, proposal response assistance, presentation development, and Section 508 compliance.
Experience working with and entering data into database applications.

Other Requirements or Other Factors

The standard in-office schedule for this position is Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may work remotely on Mondays and Fridays, with in-office attendance on those days required as needed based on business or operational requirements.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform common office functions.
Ability to frequently communicate with other individuals within the workplace.
Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Security and Background Checks

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 70 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals. Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society. Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer. We are an interconnected group of 700 professionals, students and support staff from 38 different countries. TTI staff are recognized state, national and international leaders known for their credibility, technical expertise and reputation for objectivity. TTI also plays a key role in educating the next generation of transportation professionals, training students both in the laboratory and in the classroom. With expertise in engineering, planning, economics, policy, public engagement, landscape architecture, environmental sciences, data sciences, social sciences and more, TTI professionals are thought leaders in their fields. They produce practical, implementable products and strategies, and ensure that our sponsors have the research‑based results they need to make informed decisions. We have a significant presence in seven urban areas across Texas, as well as in Washington, D.C.; Mexico City, Mexico; and Doha, Qatar. At any one time, we have research projects underway in about 30 states, and our experts have conducted research in all 50 states. We’ve also worked internationally in more than 50 foreign countries to improve transportation systems and promote a vibrant global economy.

We have a significant presence in seven urban areas across Texas, as well as in Washington, D.C.; Mexico City, Mexico; and Doha, Qatar. At any one time, we have research projects underway in about 30 states, and our experts have conducted research in all 50 states. We’ve also worked internationally in more than 50 foreign countries to improve transportation systems and promote a vibrant global economy.

Work Environment