Academic Program Specialist

Job Summary:

The Academic Program Specialist is responsible for providing support to undergraduate and graduate programs in the Department of Economics through coordination of administrative operations, curricular initiatives, communications, and marketing. The Specialist collaborates with the Department Chair, program directors, faculty, and students to enhance visibility, streamline processes, and support departmental priorities.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Assists with all program administration for the Master of Science in Economics with Quantitative and AI Methods (MSEQAI) Program.
2. Acts as the point of contact for associated programs admissions by educating students about admission policies and procedures; guiding prospective students through the admissions process, gathering information on program inquiries and maintaining databases for mailings and communications.
3. Supports student programming by assisting with advising logistics, communications, and coordination of various orientations, workshops, and academic events. Track programs participation and student engagement in various programs and events.
4. Assists department faculty with various administrative needs for related programs, including support for course coordination and creation of course materials.
5. Manages public relations by greeting students in person or on the telephone; answering or referring inquiries; providing information and assistance regarding program functions; maintains a professional front office.
6. Assists program directors with initiatives, course scheduling, and CourseDog management.
7. Coordinates program events by scheduling appointments, making travel and meal arrangements, and scheduling class visits.
8. Works collaboratively with college marketing specialist to ensure timely and relevant content per college initiatives; manages communication outlets (including website, social media, and other digital content); designs promotional materials; coordinates recruitment campaign newsletters and email outreach.
9. Monitors expenses by gathering and reporting budget information, and facilitating and monitoring reimbursements for faculty and students. Ensures proper documentation for transactions are maintained in Excel. Communicates with faculty and students about required procedures and forms.
10. Produces information by developing, transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, filing, and transmitting text, data, and graphics.
11. Organizes work by reading, routing and answering correspondence; collecting, maintaining and prioritizing information; managing program procedures and telecommunications; updating records.
12. Maintains databases for enrollment, outreach, and program metrics; generate reports for planning and assessment; track trends and performance in Excel.
13. Supports adjunct and student hiring procedures; coordinates onboarding and documentation; liaises with HR to ensure policy compliance.
14. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelors’ degree and 2 plus years’ program coordination experience.
OR
• High school diploma or GED and 6 plus years’ program coordination experience.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Higher education experience
• Academic programming experience
• Marketing and communication experience

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• Modern Campus CMS, Microsoft Excel, and/or Microsoft Word certifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of customer services techniques.
• Knowledge of strong people and organizational techniques.
• Knowledge of research techniques.
• Knowledge of interpersonal communication techniques.
• Knowledge of curriculum and degree requirements.
• Knowledge of university programs.
• Skills in social media and digital communication.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Skill in Excel, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to assume administrative functions and make independent decisions regarding daily activities.
• Ability to maintain staff confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.