Research Consultant II, RHTP

Research Consultant II, RHTP

FT / PT Status – Full-Time Salary – $30.47 - $49.69 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid Recruiter – Tamra Alfaro | talfaro@utah.gov | 801-538-4221 Application Deadline – 7/26/2026*

Research Consultant II

Rural Health Transformation Program

This position may be eligible to work a hybrid schedule of both in-office and telework days. Please note, a position’s eligibility for hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.

The State of Utah requires all employees to physically work inside the State of Utah Boundaries.

The Utah Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a bold, multi-faceted five-year initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) aimed at making generational investments to build resilient, sustainable rural health systems.

Stepping into a role designed for the RHTP's evolving landscape, the Special Projects Coordinator, Research Consultant II, will operate with a high level of independence to support high-priority special projects encompassing complex public health initiatives. As a highly collaborative team member, the specialist will also support the director, program managers, and the data evaluation coordinator in overseeing the program's data and digital infrastructures. Together, this work directly drives the RHTP's four strategic goals: Making Rural Utahns Healthy, Workforce Development, Innovation and Access, and Technology Innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Management & Grant Evaluation Support

• Assist the Data Evaluation Coordinator: Act as a dedicated operational liaison assisting the data evaluation coordinator to track grant performance metrics and outcome measures across the seven core RHTP initiatives (PATH, RISE, SHIFT, FAST, LIFT, SUPPORT, and LINCS).
• Partner Coordination: Coordinate directly with internal data evaluation coordinator, program managers and external subrecipient partners (e.g., UDOT, UDAF, USBE, DPS) to ensure the timely and accurate collection of quarterly, annual, and final progress data required by CMS.
• Outcome Tracking: Support the administrative workflows needed to monitor the Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework, ensuring all initiatives are consistently tracking how well services are delivered and whether rural communities are better off.
  
  

Tribal Engagement & External Relations

• Lead strategic outreach and manage intergovernmental collaboration with Utah's tribal nations.
• Build and maintain critical, culturally competent relationships with tribal governments, the Utah Indian Health Advisory Board (UIHAB), and Indian Health System (I/T/U) partners.
• Facilitate ongoing tribal consultations to inform and guide RHTP support, ensuring funding opportunities address the unique needs of tribal populations.
  
  

Presentation & Briefing Materials

• Develop high-impact presentations, slide decks, and informational materials for DHHS leadership, the RHTP Steering Committee, CMS, and community partners.
• Synthesize complex data and policy goals into easily digestible briefings to support stakeholder engagement across rural Utah's local health departments, hospitals, and local education agencies.
  
  

Systems & Digital Infrastructure

• Architect and maintain data collection workflows in Qualtrics.
• Modernize, update, and manage the official Utah RHTP website (dhhs.utah.gov/ruralhealth) to ensure transparency and public access to program updates, funding opportunities, and resources.
  
  

Communications & Special Projects

• Draft high-level external communications, ensuring all public-facing materials, publications, and website content strictly adhere to CMS Stevens Amendment requirements for federal funding acknowledgment.
• Independently manage specialized public health initiatives and coordinate interagency communications with sister agencies (e.g., UDOT, UDAF, USBE) and internal DHHS partners.
  
  

Qualifications

Key Skills

• Qualtrics workflow architecture and data collection
• Website management and content modernization
• Document control, versioning, and shared drive organization
• Strategic communication, including drafting slide decks, briefings, and external messaging
• Performance metric tracking and data gathering
• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy while supporting a collaborative team
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal grant compliance and reporting
• Understanding of state procurement and contracting processes
• Familiarity with the Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework
• Proficiency in Qualtrics & Web content management systems
• Experience in culturally competent intergovernmental relations, specifically tribal engagement
• Proficiency with AI tools (e.g., Gemini)
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
  
  

About The Role

Location –

195 North 1950 West

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116

United States

Background Check Required – Yes

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – TL - Time limited

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , click here . Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
  
  

The Agency

Become an integral part of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Experience a sense of achievement for meaningful work and enjoy a work-life balance! We offer great health benefits and retirement plans, generous paid time off, and a balanced work schedule to afford quality time spent with your family.

Benefits Worth Working For

To learn more about the Utah Department of Health and Human services (DHHS), click here .

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 (801) 957-9390.