Job Details

Program Specialists

Position Number: 7170466
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Faculty Development

Program Specialists

Job Summary

Program Specialists

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Specialist III supports the Vice President's Clinical and Translational (VPCAT) Research Scholars Program within the University of Utah Health Office for Faculty. VPCAT is a competitive, two-year faculty development program that provides structured mentorship, curriculum, and grant support to early-career investigators pursuing clinical and translational research careers.
This role serves as a central coordinator for program operations, working closely with the program team, leadership, mentors, and faculty scholars. The Program Specialist is responsible for coordinating key program activities across the scholar lifecycle, including application processes, onboarding, curriculum delivery, and ongoing program support.
The position requires strong organizational judgment, the ability to manage multiple timelines, and confidence in prioritizing work during high-activity periods. The successful candidate will ensure program activities are delivered consistently, professionally, and on schedule, while maintaining clear communication across a diverse group of stakeholders.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
Design and implement one or more programs for the university that carry out the mission. Set goals for each program. Determine benchmarks for successful and effective programs that achieve intended goals. Ensure that the programs and services provided reflect the needs and expectations of the community. Collect feedback from members, volunteers, and staff to improve future programs/services. Responsibilities may include fundraising, budgeting, and community outreach for assigned program(s). May manage special events that publicize the university and its programs to the community.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Coordination & Scholar Lifecycle Support

Coordinate the annual VPCAT application process, including preparing materials, tracking applicants, and organizing review meetings
Prepare and distribute applicant notifications, progress reports, and program communications
Support onboarding of new scholars by scheduling and coordinating initial meetings and orientation activities
Maintain tracking systems and ensure accurate documentation across all stages of the program

Curriculum & Event Management

Coordinate twice-monthly curriculum sessions (virtual and in-person), including scheduling presenters and managing logistics
Host virtual sessions (Zoom), including recordings and technical support
Coordinate in-person sessions, including room scheduling, catering, and event setup
Track attendance, collect evaluations, and maintain session materials for program records

Communications & Content Development

Draft, edit, and distribute program communications in collaboration with program leadership
Develop and manage monthly VPCAT Victories communications highlighting scholar accomplishments
Assist with maintaining and updating website and program materials

Operations, Meetings & Administrative Support

Coordinate day-to-day program operations, including scheduling meetings and maintaining calendars for program leadership
Prepare meeting agendas, document discussions, and distribute meeting summaries
Support quarterly mentor and advisory board meetings
Manage program logistics, including purchasing supplies and coordinating event needs

Data Tracking & Reporting

Maintain program tracking systems (primarily Excel-based) to support reporting and program evaluation
Assist with data collection, organization, and reporting needs across program activities
Ensure accuracy and consistency in program records and documentation

Collaboration & Problem Solving

Work closely with the VPCAT Research Manager, Research Development Associate, and Program Director to support program goals
Serve as a point of contact for program-related questions and coordinate responses across stakeholders
Use sound judgment to resolve scheduling, logistical, and operational challenges
Support broader Office for Faculty activities and provide cross-coverage as needed

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.POSITION EXPECTATIONS

Manage multiple priorities and deadlines across overlapping program activities
Demonstrate strong attention to detail while maintaining efficiency
Communicate clearly and professionally with faculty, staff, and leadership
Exercise independent judgment in organizing work and responding to time-sensitive needs
Contribute to a collaborative and professional team environment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSProgram Specialists, III: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Program Specialists, IIIDesign and implement one or more programs for the university that carry out the organization's mission. Set goals for each program. Determine benchmarks for successful and effective programs that achieve intended goals. Ensure that the programs and services provided reflect the needs and expectations of the community. Collect feedback from members, volunteers, and staff to improve future programs/services. Responsibilities may include fundraising, budgeting, and community outreach for assigned program(s). May manage special events that publicize the organization and its programs to the community. Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track.Job Code: PZ3713Grade: P15Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036
CATEGORY IIA POSITIONThis position is considered Category IIA: Not required to be on campus and has the ability to telework remotely. An employee hired into this role will be responsible for providing space, telephone, printing, networking and/or internet capabilities at the telecommute location and agree to the terms of the University of Utah campus and Health Academics Telecommuting Agreement.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Program Specialists, III: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences
PREFERENCES

Experience coordinating complex programs with competing priorities and dependencies
Strong written communication and editing skills
Experience supporting academic, research, or faculty development programs
Advanced proficiency in Zoom and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams)
Experience working in remote, hybrid office settings
Ability to manage data tracking systems and maintain organized file structures

Special Instructions
Please submit your application, resume, cover letter and list of references.

Requisition Number: PRN45101B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm with occasional evenings and weekends.
Department: 02508 - VPCAT
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $36,196 to $83,036
Close Date: 8/14/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/202313