Senior Learning and Engagement Specialist, Office of Sponsored Projects

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Telework eligible

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Senior Learning and Engagement Specialist in the Office of Sponsored Projects to translate evolving research administration requirements into practical learning opportunities. The role partners with campus stakeholders to build collaborative relationships and identify emerging needs across the sponsored project lifecycle.

Responsibilities include planning and facilitating workshops, coordinating subject matter experts, and developing guidance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration, higher education, organizational learning, stakeholder engagement, communications, program coordination, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Partner with OSP leadership and campus stakeholders to identify learning needs and opportunities for improvement.
• Build relationships across the UT research community to understand evolving practices.
• Monitor trends and sponsor changes to identify opportunities for new educational resources.
• Communicate feedback and recommendations to inform learning priorities.
• Plan and facilitate workshops, webinars, orientations, and other learning sessions.
• Coordinate subject matter expert participation and support implementation of learning programs.
• Develop and maintain guidance and educational resources including job aids and templates.
• Support continuous improvement of Learning and Engagement services and programs.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Learning facilitation

Program coordination

Knowledge management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Education, Communications, Public Administration, Higher Education, or a related field

Job description

Job Posting Title: Senior Learning and Engagement Specialist, Office of Sponsored Projects

Job Posting Title: Senior Learning and Engagement Specialist, Office of Sponsored Projects

Hiring Department: Learning and Engagement

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Job Details

The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) serves as the coordinating office for externally funded research and sponsored projects at The University of Texas at Austin. The mission of OSP is to assist faculty and professional research staff in their efforts to secure and ensure proper stewardship of external funding. We do that by assisting research faculty and staff with the following: proposal review, authorization, and submission; award negotiations and acceptance; account management; close-out, reports, audits, collection; professional development and education; export control, and research compliance.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays
• Eligible for telework

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Purpose

Serves as an outward-facing member of the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) Learning and Engagement team by building collaborative relationships with the UT research community and translating evolving research administration requirements into practical learning opportunities and operational guidance. Partners with OSP leadership, subject matter experts, and campus stakeholders to identify emerging needs, coordinate educational initiatives, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote consistent research administration practices throughout the sponsored project lifecycle

Responsibilities

Learning Needs Assessment & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with OSP leadership, subject matter experts, and campus stakeholders to identify emerging learning needs, operational challenges, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships across the UT research community to understand evolving research administration practices and strengthen partnerships.
• Monitor trends, recurring questions, sponsor changes, and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities for new or enhanced educational resources and outreach initiatives.
• Communicate stakeholder feedback, emerging issues, and recommendations to OSP leadership to inform learning priorities.

Learning Facilitation & Program Coordination

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate instructor-led learning opportunities, including workshops, orientations, webinars, office hours, cohort-based programs, and other educational sessions for research administrators and OSP staff.
• Deliver engaging learning experiences using a variety of instructional and facilitation techniques that encourage knowledge sharing, discussion, and practical application.
• Coordinate subject matter expert participation to support high-quality learning opportunities.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of the OSP Learning Continuum and related professional development initiatives.
• Support implementation and ongoing coordination of the OSP Learning Ambassador Program

Sponsor Guidance & Knowledge Management

• Monitor sponsor, federal, state, university, and OSP policy, procedure, and system changes affecting research administration.
• Analyze operational impacts and collaborate with subject matter experts to translate complex requirements into practical guidance for the research community.
• Identify recurring questions, emerging issues, and knowledge gaps that may require new or revised educational resources.
• Support the development of consistent messaging and guidance related to evolving research administration requirements.

Learning Resource Development

• Develop and maintain operational guidance and educational resources, including reference guides, FAQs, job aids, workflow documents, templates, and other knowledge resources.
• Collaborate with team members to support the development and dissemination of educational content through a variety of learning and communication channels.
• Coordinate periodic review and maintenance of educational resources to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with current sponsor and university requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Organizational Support

• Participate in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives that support OSP operational excellence.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Learning and Engagement services, processes, and resources.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Education, Communications, Public Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration, higher education, organizational learning, stakeholder engagement, communications, program coordination, or a related field.