Local Program Specialist

The Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah is seeking a talented, energetic professional to manage its local internship program and provide support for other Hinckley programs in a dynamic, professional, student-focused environment. The position has daily interactions with prospective and current Hinckley students, alumni, faculty, other University staff, and community partners. This person must have strong communication and project management skills, be an effective team player, able to handle multiple tasks, and be an excellent organizer.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Hinckley Local Programs:

• Manage the Hinckley Institute Local Internship Program by overseeing the application process, interviewing and vetting students, analyzing their skills and internships-readiness, and coordinating the internship placement process.
• Manage the internship readiness processes and develop new and effective ways to teach professionalism, interview techniques, and the hard- and soft-skills student interns will need to succeed in the workplace.
• Oversee academic components of the internship course and oversee scholarship administration.
• Work with intern host-offices such as local non-profits, government offices, and businesses to manage existing internship agreements and expand opportunities.
• Serve as a resource for students to answer questions and advise on issues associated with all components of Hinckley internship programs and classes.
• Assist in maintaining an accurate and detailed database of all Hinckley students and alumni.
• Manage internship, scholarship and other student position application platforms and processes. Assist with other special projects.

Internship Outreach and Recruiting:

• Significant interpersonal communication with prospective Hinckley interns in-person and through e-mail.
• Provide ongoing communication to prospective students and applicants.

Special Projects:

Lead, organize, and/or assist with other Hinckley projects.

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, I: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.

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

Preferences

• Previous experience with Hinckley internships and/or courses.
• Masters degree in public administration, political science, public policy, or other related field.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Results oriented and achievement driven.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent oral, written, and telephone communication skills and the ability to relate well to executives.
• Collaborative in approach and open to new concepts and ideas.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft, Google Drive, Adobe, Box, Salesforce, Qualtrics, etc.
• Experience learning and managing various software programs and website editing or willingness to learn. Preference will be given to those able to work occasional evenings and weekends, as required.

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• What is your highest level of completed education?

• None

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Associate Degree

• Bachelor's Degree

• Master's Degree

• Doctorate Degree

• How many years of related work experience do you have?

• Less than 6 years

• 6 years or more, but less than 9 years

• 9 years or more, but less than 12 years

• 12 years or more, but less than 15 years

• 15 years or more

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B status)?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• List of References

Optional Documents

Open Date

10/01/2026

Requisition Number

PRN46385B

Job Title

Program Specialists

Working Title

Local Program Specialist

Career Progression Track

P00

Track Level

P2 - Developing, P1 - Entry Level Pro

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

Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

VP Area

President

Department

00146 - Hinckley Institute Of Politics

Location

Campus

City

Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

External Posting

Pay Rate Range

$31,600 - $58,400

Close Date

01/01/2027

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