Operations Program Managers

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah in Salt Lake City seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead the PROSPECT project under the College of Science. You will be the operational anchor and primary administrator, coordinating strategy, teams, and project outcomes to strengthen the critical minerals workforce.

This is a high-visibility, external posting with emphasized collaboration across departments. The role requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and extensive experience in program management, with a

Qualifications

• Equivalency allowed: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years).
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalency) required for Operations Program Manager III role.

Responsibilities

• Drive university strategy and align teams to deliver multiple projects.
• Initiate programs that deliver strategic benefits and organizational growth.
• Define and oversee dependent projects to reach overall goals.
• Enlist teams, implement strategies, and measure ROI.
• Act as liaison between departments to enable cross-team collaboration.

Skills

Highly organized

Detail-oriented

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Multitasking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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

VP Area

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department

Department 00113 - College of Science-Dean

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

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

Close Date

Close Date 01/29/2027

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

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.

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.

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 at https://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 per University 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.

University Human Resource Management 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]