Program Specialist

United Trading Group; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) invites applicants for a Program Specialist role within the Housing & Community Development Division. The position supports contract writing, monitoring, and program development, with travel to sites as required.

The role requires strong communication and analytical skills, experience with boards or commissions, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Hybrid work is available with in-office days at state facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or two years of related program implementation/public policy experience.
• Experience working with boards or commissions.
• Experience monitoring financial statements or balance sheets.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate program activities with private providers and other governmental entities.
• Review and monitor project files for compliance with policies.
• Draft reports, plans, and technical written materials for stakeholders.
• Conduct site visits and present program information to counties and cities.
• Implement competitive grant processes using federal and state funds.
• Provide monthly and quarterly program reports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Prioritization & time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, finance or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Adobe Acrobat

Google Workspace

Job description

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The Housing and Community Development (HCD) Division at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is seeking out a highly skilled candidate to fill a Program Specialist position that may be eligible to telework statewide and will require travel up to 25-40% of the time.

POSITION DETAILS & COMMITMENT

• Full/Part Time – Full Time with Benefits
• Salary – $28.00 - $35.00/hr
• Work Location – Hybrid - at least two days in-person at the Multi-Agency State Office Building (195 N 1950 W, SLC, UT) if you do not qualify for fulltime telework by living more than 50 miles away.
• Typical Work Schedule – Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Travel Commitment – May require travel to development sites for monitoring and technical assistance, as well as to support the Program Manager in presenting to cities, towns, and counties. Travel needs will vary throughout the year based on active project timelines.
• Schedule Code – AC - Employees in Offices of Elected Officials
• Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
• Application Deadline – 11:59 PM (MDT) on September 10, 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Specialist will provide, review, and write contracts, conduct monitoring, support the Program Manager with staff assigned boards/commissions, and create programs for the allocation of special appropriations under the Program Manager.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Coordinates program activities, services, and/or program implementation with private providers, other governmental entities, program users, etc.
• Reviews and monitors project files to ensure compliance with internal policies; develops and delivers training and technical assistance to stakeholders based on identified needs.
• Enforces compliance with program statutes and policy.
• Resolves questions and conflicts by responding to requests, issues, or problems raised by stakeholders.
• Implements competitive grant processes using federal and state funds, informing grantees and applicants of program requirements.
• Coordinates with stakeholders, partners, and GOED programs and divisions to develop programs and reports.
• Conducts site visits and presents program information to cities, towns, counties, and other eligible entities.
• Drafts correspondence, reports, plans, and other technical written materials.
• Completes required internal workflow components, including spreadsheets and correspondence.
• Monitors contracts in accordance with office policy.
• Provides monthly and quarterly reports.
• Staffs commissions or boards as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements

• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize workload, meet multiple deadlines and manage changing priorities.
• Has excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication, and analytical skills.
• Exhibits sound judgment, ability to use available resources to research issues, ability to seek guidance and communicate openly with direct manager.
• Ability to receive guideposts and draft programs based on instruction.
• Has intermediate to advanced skills with Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat; and Google Workspace Products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, finance or related field or two years of experience supporting program implementation, program evaluation, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience working with boards or commissions.
• Experience with monitoring various financial balance sheets in tandem.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

The Division of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) is a fast-paced, dynamic division staffed with a hard-working, passionate team with diverse experiences and expertise. We strive to match your interests and strengths with our division's needs. Working here will give you direct, hands-on experience and the opportunity to grow your professional skills and capabilities. The State of Utah offers a highly competitive benefits package.

WHO WE ARE

The Division of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), within the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), champions Gov. Cox's commitment to providing economic opportunity for all Utahns. DHCD works to strengthen Utah communities by expanding housing opportunities and supporting local capacity for growth. We partner with municipalities, counties, developers, and nonprofits to implement strategic housing and community development initiatives across the state. We utilize federal and state resources, along with public and private partnerships, to help build stronger, more resilient communities throughout Utah.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].