Program Specialist

Details

Open Date 05/28/2026

Requisition Number PRN45192B

Job Title Program Specialists

Working Title Program Specialist

Career Progression Track P00

Track Level P3 - Career, P2 - Developing, S4 - Highly Skilled

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

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department 00199 - Communication Sci & Disorders

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $48,000 – $65,000 annually, depending on experience

Close Date 06/28/2026

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

Job Summary

Coordinates and administers the day-to-day operations of assigned program(s), including planning, implementing, and evaluating program activities and services. Provides administrative oversight of program functions and serves as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders. May supervise support staff and ensure compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulations.

The Program Specialist manages and coordinates graduate program operations for the Doctor of Audiology (AuD), Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology ( SLP ), and PhD programs within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. This position oversees the full student lifecycle including admissions, onboarding, compliance tracking, academic progression, and completion.

This role serves as a key liaison between students, faculty, the Graduate School, and clinical training faculty and staff while ensuring compliance with university policies, accreditation standards (e.g., ASHA ), and regulatory requirements (e.g., CAA ). The position requires independent decision-making, strong organizational skills, and management of multiple complex processes and systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates daily operations of graduate programs, including admissions, enrollment, and student progression.
• Manages applicant processing and admissions workflows across systems (e.g., SMAK , Graduate School platforms, CAPCSD , tracking programs (e.g., Typhon), departmental databases).
• Develops and maintains cohort records and student tracking systems.
• Monitors and verifies student compliance requirements (e.g., background checks, immunizations, HIPAA , CPR certification, drug screening) using systems such as Typhon and Canvas.
• Coordinates clinical readiness processes in alignment with accreditation standards.
• Tracks student academic and clinic progress, committee assignments, and program milestones through degree completion.
• Prepares and distributes official program communications, including admission decisions and completion documentation, including shared Praxis exam results.
• Coordinates course scheduling, classroom assignments, and faculty instructional support (including CLSS processes).
• Maintains required documentation such as syllabi for accreditation review.
• Organizes recruitment and prospective student events (virtual and in-person).
• Serves as primary contact for student inquiries and provides introductory guidance on program requirements and processes and connects students to graduate program directors as appropriate.
• Supports undergraduate program compliance activities, including observation hours and training requirements.
• Provides general office coordination, including phone coverage, mail distribution, and facility access support.
• Generates reports and maintains data related to student outcomes, course evaluations, and program metrics.
• Provides functional oversight to support staff and student employees.
  
  

Problem Solving

Incumbent exercises judgment in interpreting policies, coordinating multiple program requirements, and resolving student and program-related issues in coordination with the program directors and departmental leadership. Develops and improves processes to ensure efficient program operations and compliance.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to coordinate complex programs and manage multiple processes simultaneously
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Proficiency in database systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  
  

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:

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

Program Specialists, III : Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 4 years of directly related work experience.

Program Specialists, IV: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Experience in higher education or graduate program administration
• Familiarity with student information systems, learning management systems (Canvas), and clinical tracking platforms (Typhon)
• Knowledge of accreditation standards (e.g., ASHA CAA ) or clinical education requirements
• Strong data management and reporting skills
  
  

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 (801) 581-7447 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 (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 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.