Senior Learning and Engagement Specialist, Office of Sponsored Projects

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

3d•Remote

About The Position

The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) at The University of Texas at Austin coordinates externally funded research and sponsored projects. OSP assists faculty and professional research staff with proposal review, authorization and submission; award negotiations and acceptance; account management; close-out, reports, audits and collection; professional development and education; export control; and research compliance. As an outward-facing member of the OSP Learning and Engagement team, the Senior Learning and Engagement Specialist builds collaborative relationships with the UT research community and translates evolving research administration requirements into practical learning opportunities and operational guidance. The position 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. The role is based in Austin, Texas, and is fully remote. It is a regular staff position with 40 scheduled hours per week and is expected to continue. The position is exempt from FLSA. The salary is $74,000 or more, depending on qualifications. The earliest start date is immediately.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration, higher education, organizational learning, stakeholder engagement, communications, program coordination or a related field.
Demonstrated experience planning, facilitating or delivering presentations, workshops, training sessions or other educational programs.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with stakeholders.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, practical guidance.
Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing responsibilities and work independently in a collaborative environment.
Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other collaboration technologies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business, Education, Communications, Public Administration, Higher Education or a related field.
Experience in sponsored research administration within a higher education environment.
Knowledge of federal sponsor regulations, research administration policies and sponsored project lifecycle processes.
Experience facilitating workshops, presentations or professional development programs.
Experience interpreting and communicating complex policies, regulations or operational procedures.
Experience developing operational guidance, knowledge resources or educational materials in collaboration with subject matter experts.
Experience supporting organizational change, stakeholder engagement or continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Partner with OSP leadership, subject matter experts and campus stakeholders to identify learning needs, operational challenges and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships across the UT research community to understand evolving practices and strengthen partnerships.
Monitor trends, recurring questions, sponsor changes and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities for educational resources and outreach.
Communicate stakeholder feedback, emerging issues and recommendations to OSP leadership to inform learning priorities.
Plan, coordinate and facilitate workshops, orientations, webinars, office hours, cohort-based programs and other learning opportunities for research administrators and OSP staff.
Deliver engaging learning experiences using instructional and facilitation techniques that encourage knowledge sharing, discussion and practical application.
Coordinate subject matter expert participation in 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.
Monitor sponsor, federal, state, university and OSP policy, procedure and system changes that affect research administration.
Analyze operational impacts and collaborate with subject matter experts to translate complex requirements into practical guidance.
Identify recurring questions, emerging issues and knowledge gaps that may require new or revised educational resources.
Support consistent messaging and guidance about evolving research administration requirements.
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 develop and disseminate educational content through varied learning and communication channels.
Coordinate periodic review and maintenance of educational resources to ensure accuracy, consistency and alignment with current sponsor and university requirements.
Participate in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives supporting OSP operational excellence.
Contribute to continuous improvement of Learning and Engagement services, processes and resources.
Perform other related duties as assigned.