Program Manager, PROSPECT Grant

Details

Open Date 10/01/2026

Requisition Number PRN46339B

Job Title Operations Program Managers

Working Title Program Manager, PROSPECT Grant

Career Progression Track P00

Track Level P3 - Career

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

M-F during business hours. In-person work will be required.

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 00113 - College of Science-Dean

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $70,000 - $95,000

Close Date 01/29/2027

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 10/16/2026

Job Summary

The College of Science is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and results-driven Program Manager to lead a high-profile, regional project to strengthen the critical minerals workforce. This project is part of PROSPECT ( Providing Opportunities for Specialized Education in Critical Technologies ), a new Department of Energy workforce initiative dedicated to building America’s critical minerals talent pipeline. Reporting to college leadership, the Program Manager serves as the operational anchor and primary administrative leader of the PROSPECT project.

This project brings together a network of educational institutions and critical minerals and mining companies from Utah and neighboring states to streamline, grow, and improve the talent pipeline for the industry. The Program Manager will serve as the key connector between the coalition of educational institutions and industrial participants to place students in internships and jobs, support industry access to educational programming to upskill the current workforce, understand evolving workforce needs at all levels, and seek feedback on the quality and applicability of offerings across the network of institutions. The Program Manager will collaborate with UofU on-campus partners such as U Career Success, College of Mines and Earth Sciences and Price College of Engineering Outreach Coordinators, and the Director of Strategic Partnerships, and will lead efforts on flexible degree and credentialing pathways, experiential learning, internships, and direct post-graduation employment placement that will support U students as well as students at partner institutions.

The successful candidate will be stepping into a fast-paced, efficient office that prides itself on excellence and working together to accomplish big goals. An ability to prioritize tasks and work collaboratively with staff within the Dean’s Office and across campus will be essential. They will have a willingness to learn college and university processes and procedures, excellent communication skills, experience in project management, and strong organizational skills, including attention to detail. This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and development, including by engaging in cross-campus collaboration and exercising creativity, innovation, and management skills in support of the college and institutional missions.

The College of Science is home to eight academic units, including the College of Mines & Earth Sciences, and is centered in the beautiful Crocker Science Center on the University of Utah campus. The College is a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing knowledge across science, mathematics, and engineering. The college emphasizes research, innovation, and hands-on learning, fostering a collaborative environment for students and faculty. It is known for its contributions to scientific discovery and commitment to societal impact through education and research excellence.

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

Responsibilities

Drive university strategy, align teams, and deliver on multiple interconnected operations projects. Work to initiate successful programs that drive strategic benefits and organizational growth. Define and oversee a list of dependent projects needed to reach the program’s overall goals. Enlist teams, implement strategies, and measure return on investment. Act as liaison between various departments, facilitating cross-team collaboration and understanding. Organize and track projects, proactively manage risks, manage project escalations, prioritize tasks, and meet specific business objectives. Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.

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:

Operations Program Manager, III : Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a considerable amount of administrative experience.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.

• Exceptional time management skills.

• Capable of effectively managing multiple duties and competing deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Comfortable working on both multifaceted projects and daily administrative details to support operational functions.

• Flexibility and willingness to help where needed.

• Ability to foster a collaborative, supportive environment.

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

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.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

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.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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 Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the:University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu

**https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/**This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As perUniversity of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.