Description
UIDP is seeking a Program Specialist who is motivated to support impactful collaborations between universities and companies worldwide. In this role, you will contribute to the development and delivery of programs, services, and initiatives that strengthen university-industry partnerships and support UIDP’s mission.
As a Program Specialist, you will assist in coordinating and implementing high-value programs aligned with UIDP’s strategic priorities. Working closely with team members and stakeholders, you will help translate program goals into effective execution, supporting activities related to sponsored research partnerships, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across a diverse network of partners.
The Program Specialist's duties include:
Administrative Support: Provide comprehensive administrative support for UIDP programs and initiatives, including those funded through federal awards, ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines and internal processes.
Project Management Support: Support program planning, coordination, and execution by organizing logistics, monitoring deliverables, and contributing to the implementation of streamlined and consistent processes. Maintain and update spreadsheets, program timelines, and task tracking systems to ensure accurate project tracking and effective coordination across the team.
Records Maintenance: Develop, organize, and maintain accurate program records and documentation, including both electronic and paper files, in accordance with organizational standards.
Research & Analysis: Conduct research and analysis to support program activities; compile findings into clear, concise reports and presentations, and distribute information to relevant internal and external stakeholders.
Communications & Engagement: Coordinate communications and engagement efforts with UIDP member representatives and external partners, helping to maintain strong relationships and ensure timely information sharing.
Marketing: Support the development and updating of program-related communications, including marketing materials, website content, and other outreach resources.
Grant Proposals: Collaborate with team members in drafting and preparing grant proposals, including gathering required information, formatting content, and ensuring adherence to submission requirements.
Meetings: Coordinate and schedule large group meetings, including managing invitations, preparing materials, and supporting meeting logistics as needed.
Surveys: Design and administer surveys; collect and analyze response data; and summarize key insights to inform program improvements and organizational decision-making.
Other Duties as Assigned: This position may be responsible for a variety of additional tasks to support the effective operation of the organization. These may include general administrative functions, clerical support, document preparation, data entry, scheduling assistance, meeting coordination, filing, supply management, and other office-related activities. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs, and flexibility and a collaborative approach are essential.
Requirements
You are a proactive Program Specialist who is comfortable working in a dynamic environment and adapting to changing priorities. Eager to learn and contribute, you take initiative in supporting program activities and follow through on tasks with reliability and attention to detail.
You approach your work with a collaborative mindset, listening carefully, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing positively to team efforts. You build strong working relationships and communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues and stakeholders. Highly organized and dependable, you effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree
2 years of program or administrative support experience
Requirements:
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to convey information clearly and professionally to a variety of audiences, supported by well-developed interpersonal skills that foster effective collaboration.
Organization and Time Management: Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and consistently meet deadlines in a structured and efficient manner.
Attention to Detail in a Fast-Paced Environment: Ability to perform effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced setting while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail across all aspects of work.
Professionalism and Work Ethic: Consistently positive, professional, and service-oriented approach, contributing to a collaborative, responsive, and solutions-focused team environment.
Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams), along with general comfort in using and navigating digital tools.
Learning Agility: Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems, processes, and technologies, and apply that knowledge effectively in day-to-day responsibilities.
Independent Work and Problem-Solving: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, including identifying issues, troubleshooting challenges, and implementing appropriate solutions with minimal supervision.
Initiative and Multitasking: Self-motivated and dependable, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing needs, and take initiative in completing tasks and supporting team objectives.
WHO WE ARE
UIDP (www.uidp.org) is a global nonprofit membership association that helps great innovation companies and world-class research universities develop new and better collaboration approaches. UIDP is a recognized convener of thought leaders and practitioners, identifying high-impact strategies so companies and universities (along with other interested parties) can improve the return on investment from their partnerships. UIDP’s operating model is predicated on being agile and producing high-quality products that meet the community's needs.
OUR TEAM
As the quality and impact of UIDP’s work continue to gain recognition, our team has experienced rapid growth over the past five years to keep up with the increasing demand. Despite this growth, we maintain the vibrant spirit and energy of a mission-driven start-up. We’re united by a clear, ambitious vision while embracing the inherent ambiguity and urgency of a highly agile organization.
Exciting growth opportunities await! At UIDP, we believe in investing in our staff to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Team members are encouraged to enhance their skill sets through professional development initiatives, and we actively promote from within, offering pathways for those seeking greater responsibilities. Join us and be a part of our dynamic journey!
LOCATION
This position is located in Columbia, SC, USA. UIDP operates under a hybrid work schedule, and staff work 3-4 days per week in the office.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This full-time, non-exempt position offers a competitive hourly rate that reflects the value we place on our team members’ contributions. In addition to financial compensation, we provide a generous benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and work-life balance. This includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you are covered.
We also offer a robust retirement plan to help you plan for your future, along with generous paid time off that encourages you to recharge and enjoy personal time. At UIDP, we are committed to fostering our employees' professional development by providing opportunities for training, workshops, and mentorship programs that support their professional growth.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Referral program
Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
Are you a resident of South Carolina, and are you willing to work in our downtown Columbia office 3-4 days per weeks?
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
program or administrative support: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbia, SC 29201
