Program Specialist (Office of Workforce & Economic Development - Pharr)

Title: PROGRAM SPECIALIST (Office of Workforce & Economic Development - Pharr)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Rio Grande Valley - Pharr, TX

Department: Governmental Relations

To provide support in the operation and coordination of a program or multiple projects administered by the Office of Workforce and Economic Development. Responsible for assigned phases of a program or select projects within an area.

Description of Duties

• Provides support to six centers administered by the Office of Workforce and Economic Development, including APEX Accelerator Center, Data and Information System Center (DISC), Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC), Professional Education and Workforce Development (PEWD), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC).
• Support for the entrepreneurial education and training program of the Veterans Business Outreach Center, Boots to Business, to provide an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals to eligible Active-Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and spouses.
• Coordinates program to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with specified objectives.
• Supervises assigned day-to-day activities and personnel of the assigned program. 
• Participates in planning and developing methods for program implementation and administration; coordinates program activities.
• Performs on-site reviews and reports activities and resolutions of project operating issues with project staff.
• Provide support in consulting with visiting customers and referring them to the appropriate centers based on the conversation and assessment of the client’s needs.
• Assists in the Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC) Soft landing program designed for the International Community looking for business opportunities in South Texas. Assists with Workforce Development (PEWD) educational and customized courses and training programs.
• May represent department in official functions. 
• Drafts brochures, letters, agendas, and contracts.
• Attends meetings, conferences, and seminars related to the program’s mission and goals. 
• Reviews records and reports of activities to ensure progress is being accomplished toward specified program objective; recommends modifications to methods or procedures as required to redirect activities and ensure that objective is attained.
• Supervises and organizes seminars, conferences, and presentations. 
• Prepares recurring program reports for management use or as required for project or program.
• May participate in preparing grant proposals to state and federal agencies and private foundations.
• May conduct formal training or instruction in a classroom setting.
• Interacts with faculty, staff and students to promote the goals and objective of the program.
• Assists in preparing reports, proposals, manuals, and other documentation as required for the program.
• Develops and maintains database on research studies, policy issues, etc.
• Develops, cultivates, and maintains working relationships with internal/external departments/agencies and other organizations associated with and/or receiving benefit from the program. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Required Experience

• One (1) year of general office experience or experience in the appropriate field of the program, or
• Three (3) years of the required experience with an Associate Degree or 60 hours of College Credit, or
• Five (5) years of the required experience with a High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Experience

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Equipment

As specified for the particular job.

Working Conditions

Position is located in Pharr, TX.

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Normal office, classroom or outside environment. Some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Particular project or program may require ability to drive a car for local or distant travel for consultation, training, meetings, or on site demonstrations. Must be able to bend, stoop, reach and lift for retrieving/maintaining files and for setting up multimedia equipment. Must be able to move between buildings, offices and classrooms.

Other

Must demonstrate effective project promotion skills, and, the ability to develop and maintain strong working relations with internal and external agencies and entities. Ability to interact in a professional manner with faculty, staff, students and the public. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated interpersonal skills. Comprehensive knowledge of all centers including services and programs provided.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category

Full-Time

Minimum Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date

05/13/2024

Grant Funded Position

No