Our People
At the Charles A. Dana Center, we know that people are our most vital resource.
Our staff’s knowledge and skills add up to actual centuries’ worth of expertise and experience in education, policy, administration, communication, and leadership. We collaborate with respect and openness to develop, introduce, and scale mathematics and science education innovations that improve the experiences of students—especially those who have been underserved—in K–12 and higher education. We work with institutions, networks, and systems throughout the United States and around the world.
Stronger as part of The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences
The Dana Center is an organized research unit in the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin, a leading tier-one research institution and one of the largest employers in Central Texas. So in addition to the Dana Center’s competitive salaries, our staff can access the University’s benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an engaging and intellectually vibrant community that is deeply passionate about a shared vision for education, research, and public service.
Just because we’re part of UT Austin doesn’t mean we’re all Longhorns. All backgrounds (and rivalries) are welcome.
Are you the right fit for the Dana Center?
We want individuals who believe that anything worthy of effort is worthy of their best effort. Our team members are problem solvers who bring to the table openness, humility, and collegiality. We are fun to be around, actively support each other, and take great joy in our work.
If you believe you are a match to join our team, we encourage you to keep an eye out for openings and apply to join us. Instructional faculty are also able to take their sabbatical at the Dana Center.
Current Postings
Systems Engagement Specialist
The Systems Engagement Specialist works individually and collaboratively, executing and supporting projects under Center leadership, and partners closely with colleagues across the Creating Conditions for Impact team. This position’s responsibilities include: secondary mathematics alignment support, state and partner engagement, project support and execution, and field influence and resource development.
Systems Engagement Specialist
The Systems Engagement Specialist works individually and collaboratively, executing and supporting projects under Center leadership, and partners closely with colleagues across the Creating Conditions for Impact team. This position’s responsibilities include: postsecondary and workforce alignment support, state and partner engagement, project support and execution, and field influence and resource development.
AI & STEM Innovation Specialist
The AI & STEM Innovation Specialist advances the Center's work with a particular focus on postsecondary and workforce alignment and collaboration with external partners. The Specialist leads the development and implementation of research-grounded learning experiences, instructional materials, frameworks, resources, and professional learning in artificial intelligence, data science, computational thinking, mathematical modeling, and place-based, transdisciplinary, and phenomenon-based teaching and learning.
Associate Director, Creating Conditions for Impact
This position will lead the Creating Conditions for Impact Team, which works nationally to catalyze systemic change by shaping policy, building professional networks, and driving workforce alignment across PK-12 and postsecondary systems. Reporting to the Director of Systemic Transformation, the Associate Director will be a close strategic thought partner to the Director, bringing substantial influence to team strategy and priorities for systems change across both PK-12 and postsecondary education.
AmeriCorps Operations Coordinator
The AmeriCorps Operations Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day administrative, logistical, and compliance operations of the Dana Center's AmeriCorps programs (both Literacy First and Numeracy First). This role ensures the programs run smoothly from member onboarding through service completion, manages grant compliance and reporting to the OneStar Foundation, and coordinates the AmeriCorps grants continuation and recompete process. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about national service and community impact.
Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist
The Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist serves as the grant and contracts administrator for the Dana Center. The role prepares and submits proposals, agreements, and contracts through OSP and VPCFO to sponsoring agencies; manages payment vouchers, purchase orders, invoices, and deposits in DEFINE and related systems; serves as the point of contact for sponsors, Principal Investigators, vendors, and University offices; and supports the Finance Team with accounting policies, records, and administrative needs.
Last Updated: October 2, 2026
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We collaborate with state districts and teachers to develop innovative curricula, resources, and professional development.