Program Specialist I

About the role

• Job Title
• Program Specialist I
• Agency
• Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Department
• Air Quality and Environment Division
• Proposed Minimum Salary
• Commensurate
• Job Location
• Dallas, Texas
• Job Type
• Staff

About the role

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 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.

What you need to know

• The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.
• 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 Dallas located at 12700 Park Central, Suite 1000, Dallas, Texas 75251. 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 Dallas remaining the primary work station.
• Due to the nature of this position, physical presence in the main suite is required Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Remote work is permitted on Mondays and Fridays unless an event, meeting, or other business need requires your presence in office
• 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 TTI Dallas office. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Creates and delivers high-quality research reports, proposals, and other complex documents. (40%)
• Serves in the role of Urban Office Liaison for the Dallas Urban Office, delivering administrative support to supervisors and partnering with Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology to foster a collaborative environment. Identifies and problem solves for logistics and office operations. (20%)
• Provides administrative and program support to the Air Quality and Environment Division. (15%)
• Monitors and audits project financials, expenses, and effort allocation to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficient resource utilization. (15%)
• Develops and continuously improves operational procedures. (5%)
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in administrative or research support.
• Three years of related work experience in a business environment or administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database applications.
• Experience editing technical reports, supporting proposal development, creating presentations, and ensuring Section 508 accessibility compliance.

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.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.