Human Resources Program Specialist

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah is seeking a Human Resources Program Specialist to provide operational, administrative, and programmatic support across HR initiatives, including lead coordination for Return to Office (RTO) processes and exemption requests. The role collaborates with HR leaders, departments, and external partners to ensure efficient operations and excellent service.

In addition to RTO responsibilities, this position offers backup support for unemployment verification, service awards, and

Qualifications

• Professional experience in program administration.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database or information management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer the University’s Return to Office (RTO) exemption request process.
• Maintain accurate records and program tracking for exemption requests and approvals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the RTO exemption program and prepare reports.
• Provide backup support for unemployment insurance verification processes and respond to state agencies.
• Support compliance and records management for unemployment claims and related documentation.
• Provide back-up support for the employee service award and recognition program.
• Track service award data and collaborate with departments to improve processes.
• Provide project, administrative, and operational support to senior leadership.
• Support HR program implementations and monitor project deliverables.
• Maintain records and program documentation in accordance with standards.

Skills

Process coordination

Organization

Policy interpretation

Customer service

Analytical reporting

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent + 4 years

Master’s degree or equivalent + 2 years

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database systems

Job description

Details

Open Date 10/16/2026

Requisition Number PRN46514B

Job Title Program Specialists

Working Title Human Resources Program Specialist

Career Progression Track P00

Track Level P2 - Developing

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

3 days in office

VP Area President

Department 00410 - Human Resources

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $52,000-$58,000

Close Date 10/30/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 10/26/2026

Job Summary

The Human Resources Program Specialist provides operational, administrative, and programmatic support for key Human Resources initiatives and services across the University. The position serves as a lead coordinator for the University’s Return to Office ( RTO ) initiatives, including the development, implementation, and ongoing administration of RTO processes related to the design and coordination of the exemption request processes.

In addition to its primary RTO responsibilities, the Program Specialist provides backup support in other areas of UHRM operations, including unemployment insurance verification requests, the University’s employee service award program, and other UHRM strategic projects and senior leadership priorities as assigned.

The position serves as a central coordination point for program administration, documentation management, stakeholder communication, reporting, and project execution. The Program Specialist works collaboratively with HR leaders, University departments, and external partners to ensure efficient operations, compliance, and exceptional customer service as needed.

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

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer the University’s Return to Office ( RTO ) exemption request process, including reviewing requests for completeness, ensuring required documentation is submitted, and facilitating approvals with employees, departments, HR partners, and university leadership.

• Maintain accurate records and program tracking, including exemption requests, approvals, denials, expiration dates, and supporting documentation, while ensuring compliance with university policies, procedures, and UHRM protocols.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the RTO exemption program, communicating request statuses and decisions, preparing reports and analyses, and supporting ongoing process improvements, communications, and implementation efforts related to Return to Office initiatives.

• Provide backup support for the University’s unemployment insurance verification process, including researching employment, earnings, and separation records; collaborating with departments and HR stakeholders to obtain necessary information; and preparing accurate, timely responses to state agencies.

• Support compliance and records management for unemployment claims, including monitoring reporting deadlines, maintaining claim documentation and agency correspondence, and ensuring adherence to applicable regulations and university procedures.

• Provide back-up support for the University’s employee service award and recognition program, including determining eligibility, verifying service milestones, managing award procurement and distribution, and facilitating recognition communications and related program activities.

• Support program records and enhance employee recognition efforts, including tracking service award data, preparing reports, partnering with departments and stakeholders, and recommending and implementing process improvements to strengthen program effectiveness and employee engagement.

• Provide project, administrative, and operational backup support to senior leadership such as coordinating meetings, communications, special projects, preparation of presentation materials, calendaring, and all other organizational initiatives as assigned.

• Support the implementation and administration of HR programs and initiatives by conducting research, preparing reports and materials, coordinating communications, and monitoring project deliverables and action items as assigned.

• Maintain records, reports, and program documentation in accordance with university and UHRM standards, including supporting compliance activities, audits, and the handling of confidential information.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to coordinate complex processes involving multiple stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and program guidelines.

• Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills.

• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Proficiency in preparing professional reports, presentations, and communications.

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).

Program Specialists, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

• Professional experience in program administration, project coordination, human resources operations, business operations, or related work.

• Experience coordinating multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database or information management systems.

• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.

Preferences

• Experience administering employee programs, operational processes, or university-wide initiatives.

• Experience coordinating exemption requests, accommodations, remote work programs, or policy-related review processes.

• Experience managing unemployment claims, employment verification requests, or compliance-related documentation.

• Experience supporting executive leadership or senior administrators.

• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or public-sector environments.

• Project management or process improvement experience.

• SHRM -CP, PHR , or related professional certification.

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 [phone] 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 [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] 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.