Program Specialist (Austin)

WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. This position is located at 1117 Trinity St, Austin, TX, in the Adult Education & Literacy department.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, proactive, and relationship-driven professional with a strong understanding of adult learning principles and program management. They possess excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, enabling them to facilitate highly engagement workshops and webinars. A collaborative spirit and adaptability are essential, as the role requires frequent travel across the state to build strong partnerships with Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) grantees and represent our agency at major conferences. Ultimately, the ideal candidate is dedicated to providing outstanding technical assistance that directly enhances grantee capacity and improves outcomes for adult learners.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Program Specialist IV performs complex to highly complex (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
- Manage and Support Grantees: Serve as the primary point of contact and relationship manager for an assigned portfolio of AEL grantees, monitoring performance and guiding them toward programmatic success.
- Deliver High-Impact Technical Assistance: Design, coordinate, and facilitate technical assistance workshops and webinars tailored to the operational and instructional needs of AEL providers.
- Conduct Statewide Site Visits: Travel extensively across the state to conduct on-site support visits, review grantee operations, and foster collaborative problem-solving. Estimated
- Present at Conferences: Represent the agency by developing and delivering compelling presentations at state and regional AEL conferences.
- Analyze Performance & Compliance: Review grantee performance data to ensure compliance with federal/state statutes and program rules, identifying areas for improvement and recommending proactive corrective actions.
- Facilitate Program Communication: Develop and distribute essential communication assets, including program newsletters, operational webinars, and policy updates, to ensure providers are well-informed.
- Support Policy Development: Assist in developing program guidelines, standard operating procedures, and technical assistance manuals to streamline statewide AEL execution.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
-Two years of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
- Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
- AEL & Adult Education Expertise: Direct experience working within or managing Adult Education and Literacy
- State and Federal Workforce Policy Knowledge: Experience with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, especially Title II.
- Data Analysis: Ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision- making and improve outcomes.
- Facilitation & Training Expertise: Proven experience planning, preparing, and leading professional development workshops, webinars, or instructional sessions.
- Grantee or Program Management: Background in overseeing external service providers, educational grantees, or community partners to ensure deliverables are met.
- Excellent Public Speaking: Strong presentation skills with the ability to confidently address diverse audiences at professional conferences and regional meetings.
- Willingness to Travel: Ability to regularly throughout Texas (up to 25% travel) to support local programs and attend events.
- Adaptability & Collaboration: The ability to pivot quickly to shifting priorities, work seamlessly with remote team members, and manage your time effectively on the road.

YOU GAIN:
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
- Competitive starting salary: $5,079.00-$5,333.00/month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.

Duty involves up to 25% travel within the state of Texas.

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo (Job Search). TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.