What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager – RISE Center position at University of Texas at Dallas?
Job Summary
Operations and Administration
Financial and Travel Coordination
Process and Oversight
Reporting and Continuous Improvement
Performs other duties as assigned
Physical Demands and Working Conditions Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information
The Program Manager supports the UT Dallas Center for Retail Innovation and Strategy Excellence (RISE Center) by managing programs, events, partnerships, and administrative operations. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Center activities while supporting the continued development and enhancement of programs and operational processes.
Serving as a primary liaison, the Program Manager engages with students, faculty, campus partners, sponsors, and external stakeholders. Key responsibilities include managing the annual conference, student competitions, National Retail Federation (NRF) student organization activities, group travel, and recurring programming such as workshops and lunch-and-learn sessions.
This position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate complex logistics, and support operational and administrative functions while exercising independent judgment in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Program Manager also contributes to program development, operational planning, and the continuous improvement of RISE Center initiatives.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree; Three to five years experience in a field relevant to the program; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in a higher education or academic environment
- Demonstrated involvement in managing programs, conferences, or large-scale events
- Experience improving administrative processes, workflows, or systems
- Familiarity with working alongside external partners, sponsors, or vendors
- Experience supervising staff or coordinating the work of others
- Familiarity with university systems such as PeopleSoft and eProcurement preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Knowledge of travel coordination, logistics planning, and group event support
- Understanding of budget tracking, reconciliation, and financial processes
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program and Event Management
- Leads planning and execution of programs and events, including the annual conference, workshops, and lunch-and-learn series
- Manages event logistics, including room reservations, scheduling, vendor coordination, catering, materials preparation, and on-site support
- Coordinates student competitions, including timelines, communications, submissions, and event execution
- Supports activities of the National Retail Federation (NRF) student organization
Operations and Administration
- Oversees day-to-day operations of the RISE Center to ensure alignment with program goals and operational priorities
- Maintains records, databases, and documentation related to programs, events, and operations
- Coordinates across departments to support program implementation and service delivery
- Oversees administrative workflows and ensures completion of tasks
- Provides administrative support as needed to ensure continuity of operations
Financial and Travel Coordination
- Monitors program budgets, tracks expenditures, identifies discrepancies, and supports budget planning and resource allocation
- Processes purchases, reimbursements, and travel arrangements using university systems such as PeopleSoft and eProcurement
- Coordinates group travel for students and program participants, including itineraries, lodging, transportation, and reimbursements
- Stakeholder and Communication Support
- Facilitates engagement with sponsors, partners, and external stakeholders to support program delivery and relationship development
- Develops and distributes communications and materials to support programs and engagement efforts
Process and Oversight
- Develops, implements, and refines administrative processes and workflows to support operational efficiency and scalability
- Provides functional supervision, guidance, and training to administrative support staff or student workers, as applicable
- Exercises judgment in prioritizing tasks and resolving administrative issues
Reporting and Continuous Improvement
- Tracks program metrics and operational outcomes; prepares reports and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, participation, and program effectiveness
Performs other duties as assigned
Work Notice:
Work will be performed on-site and in person.
Work will be performed on-site and in person.
What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:
- Competitive Salary
- Tuition Benefits
- BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
- AD&D Insurance
- Dental & Vision Plan Options
- Long and short-term disability
- TRS Retirement Plan
- Fertility Benefits
- Paid time off
All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.
Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.
Special Instructions Summary Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.
2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.
2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.