Program Specialists

Open Date  | 09/18/2025
Requisition Number  | PRN43134B
Job Title  | Program Specialists
Working Title  | Program Specialist I, RUUTE
Career Progression Track  | P00
Track Level  | P1 - Entry Level Pro
FLSA Code  | Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?  | No
Standard Hours per Week  | 40
Full Time or Part Time?  | Full Time
Shift  | Day
Work Schedule Summary  | Monday – Friday, business hours. Hybrid work arrangements are available; many of our programs offer in-person learning opportunities that would benefit from this role being regularly present and engaged on campus and through in-person meetings.
VP Area  | U of U Health - Academics
Department  | 02025 - RU UTE
Location  | Campus
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | $42,000 – 44,000/annually
Close Date  | 11/18/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  |

Job Summary  | The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine (SFESOM) at the University of Utah is dedicated to advancing health through excellence in patient care, research, and education. As part of our commitment to improving healthcare in rural and underserved communities, we are seeking a Program Specialist supporting the Rural & Underserved Utah Training Experience (RUUTE) & Regional Affairs and other rural medical education programs. Our mission to improve medical education and training, health care access, and long-term socio-economic benefits for rural and underserved communities of Utah and the Intermountain West by expanding interest, awareness, and placement of medical students and residents.The Pre-matriculation and Pathway Program Specialist will play a pivotal role in advancing initiatives that prepare and support students on their path to medical school. This position will coordinate program logistics, lead the expansion of rural pre-matriculation efforts and pathway programming, and strengthen undergraduate pipeline opportunities at institutions in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The Specialist will also develop educational resources, foster and maintain relationships with educators in rural and underserved areas, and facilitate programming that aligns with the SFESOM’s mission. In addition to these core responsibilities, the Specialist will actively contribute to team-wide projects, ensuring that the school of medicine’s rural medical education reach and impact continue to grow.

Our generous University staff benefits package includes but is not limited to: health care and dental plan options, tuition reduction, UTA pass (Bus, TRAX, & FrontRunner), paid holidays, paid leave time, employer and employee paid retirement, and more!This position has access to medical school applicants and processes sensitive information. Individuals are highly encouraged to NOT apply for this position if applying to medical school or if they have an immediate household member applying to medical school. If you apply and are invited to interview for the position, please be prepared to share your future plans or the intentions of your household members.Questions regarding the posting can be directed to:Kacey Madsen, M.Ed RUUTE Program Manager: Research, Extracurricular and OutreachKacey.Madsen@hsc.utah.edu
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  | Program Specialists, IDesign 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. Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment.Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track.Job Code: P23711Grade: P13
Responsibilities Oversee and coordinate the recruitment process for K-12 pipeline programs ensuring the selection of qualified individuals who align with the program’s mission and goals Collaborate with the Office of Admissions to educate, promote, and recruit prospective medical students Build relationships with community partners, undergraduate advisors, and University of Utah campus departments Collaborate with and support all rural medical education programming efforts at the school of medicine and beyond Extend the reach of Undergraduate Pipeline initiatives by working with and establishing new relationships with undergraduate institutions in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana Assist in the development of undergraduate educational resources that enhance the program’s mission Plan and execute in-person and virtual events for a breadth of undergraduate and medical student experiences Establish enduring connections with educators, educational institutions, and pre-health advisors in rural and underserved areas of Utah and Regional Affairs States (ID, MT, WY) Contribute to the planning, programmatic duties, and planning of in-person events for rural research students (undergraduates and medical students) Recruit and review applicants to participate in rural research initiatives Provide research students with administrative support through research stipends, student housing, and campus resources Manage and develop social media strategies and content to promote rural programs, events, and opportunities, collaborating with team members to ensure consistent messaging and broaden program reach Collaborate with colleagues on various projects to advance the program’s objectives Actively work to promote and expand the mission and impact of rural medical education programs at the school of medicine and beyond Foster collaboration with Southern Utah Regional Medical Campus

The duties described above are not exhaustive and may expand based on the growing needs of the program.
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, I: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.
Program Specialists, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Program 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, IV: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
Program Specialists, V: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.
Program Specialists, VI: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.
Program Specialists, VII: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 14 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 12 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences  | Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze and make decisions related to program content Strong coordination and organizational skills required to prioritize conflicting deadlines Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required Familiarity with outreach and undergraduate education, especially in rural areas and those with underserved health and/or healthcare Demonstrate a high level of project coordination to effectively lead and deliver robust programs and initiatives Strong organizational skills along with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing Knowledge of social media and marketing practices Ability to work independently and take initiative to achieve outcomes is essential
Type  | Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary  |
Additional Information  | The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.

Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action:

Director/ Title IX Coordinator
Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA)
383 University Street, Level 1 OEO Suite
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-581-8365
oeo@utah.edu

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

For more information: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
To inquire about this posting, email: employment@utah.edu or call 801-581-2300.

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

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 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu