Strategic HR Programs & RTO Specialist

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

Job summary

The University of Utah seeks a Human Resources Program Specialist to provide operational, administrative, and programmatic support for key Human Resources initiatives across UHRM. This role leads the Return to Office (RTO) exemption process, coordinating with employees, departments, HR partners, and leadership to ensure compliant, timely approvals.

Additional responsibilities include backup support for unemployment verification, employee service awards, and other strategic projects, with

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Program administration

Project coordination

HR operations

Communication skills

Confidential information handling

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

The University of Utah seeks a Human Resources Program Specialist to provide operational, administrative, and programmatic support for key Human Resources initiatives across UHRM. This role leads the Return to Office (RTO) exemption process, coordinating with employees, departments, HR partners, and leadership to ensure compliant, timely approvals.

Additional responsibilities include backup support for unemployment verification, employee service awards, and other strategic projects, with