Project Manager

University of Texas at Austin; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin seeks a Project Manager to support UT GEAR UP Mindset College Ready and GUIDES initiatives in Aldine ISD. You will coordinate with district leaders, campus staff, and university partners to advance college readiness, scholarships, college tours, and career pathways.

The role is fixed-term through December 2, 2026, 40 hours per week, with renewal possibilities based on funding and performance. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, or related field and five years of experience in the field of college readiness.
• In-depth knowledge of secondary education requirements in Texas, postsecondary education options, application procedures, and admission requirements.
• Knowledge of financial aid and FAFSA application processes.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including time management and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other team members.
• Experience planning and implementing events.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential on-the-ground support to Aldine ISD MCR and GUIDES GEAR UP Coordinators. Act as a liaison between UT Austin and Aldine ISD, facilitating communication, program alignment, and collaboration with district administrators and school leadership.
• Troubleshoot issues and work collaboratively with UT Austin and the district to find appropriate solutions.
• Support delivery of core activities that promote college attainment across UT GEAR UP Aldine ISD partner middle schools and high schools.
• Lead meetings with GEAR UP site-based team and participate in community leadership team meetings.
• Assist in the development and implementation of district family engagement services including financial literacy, college knowledge, and alternative career pathways.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Event planning

Independent work

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education

Job description

Project Manager

Hiring Department

Curriculum and Instruction

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Dec 02, 2026

Location

HOUSTON, TX

Job Details

General Notes

The university provides employees a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance (premiums covered 100% for full-time benefits-eligible employees), retirement plans, and paid leave, in addition to other programs and services.

This position is fixed term, and the expected end date is December 2, 2026, with the possibility of renewal and extension of the appointment depending on funding and performance.

Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager for UT GEAR UP Mindset College Ready (MCR) and UT GEAR UP for Industry Development and Educational Success (GUIDES) grants in Aldine ISD, the Project Manger supports the development and implementation of college and career student and family support services across all UT GEAR UP grant partner middle schools and high schools in Aldine ISD, in partnership with the UT GEAR UP MCR and GUIDES Senior Project Manager, school administration, staff, counselors, and university partners. This includes developing best practices that foster college awareness and readiness; building relationships with colleges, businesses and community organizations to support college tours, job site visits, educational trips, and internships; assisting GEAR UP coordinators in caseload management, test-taking strategies and test prep; meeting with GEAR UP Aldine ISD site-based teams on a regular basis; designing and leading professional development opportunities for GEAR UP Coordinators; managing data from internal and external partners; and supporting efforts to survey GEAR UP students and parents. S/he is also responsible for the promotion of selected partner service implementation across all Aldine ISD GEAR UP campuses.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential on-the-ground support to the Aldine ISD MCR and GUIDES GEAR UP Coordinators. Act as a liaison between UT Austin and Aldine ISD, facilitating communication, program alignment, and collaboration with district administrators and school leadership. Troubleshoot issues and work collaboratively with UT Austin and the district to find appropriate solutions.

• Support delivery of core activities that promote college attainment (e.g. college applications, essay writing, scholarships exploration, standardized test-taking, non-cognitive skill-building, etc.) across all UT GEAR UP Grant Aldine ISD partner middle schools and high schools. Lead meetings with GEAR UP site-based team and participate in community leadership team meetings.

• Assist in the development and implementation of district family engagement services including financial literacy, college knowledge, and alternative career pathways. Monitor grant progress towards achieving parent goals and provide regular feedback to grant districts on how to improve services.

• Coordinate and support UT GEAR UP-sponsored programs and district-level events for stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness.

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders, including families, community organizations, and district leadership, to ensure program sustainability.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, or related field and five years of experience in the field of college readiness.

• In-depth knowledge of secondary education requirements in Texas, postsecondary education options, application procedures, and admission requirements.

• Knowledge of financial aid and scholarship opportunities and FAFSA application processes.

• Exceptional organizational skills, including time management and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other team members.

• Experience planning and implementing events.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with GEAR UP programs.

• Familiarity with UT Austin policies and systems.

Salary Range

$70,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Typical office environment, use of manual dexterity, repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation, pushing, pulling and moving up to 50 pounds

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.