Operations Program Manager

Program Manager

The College of Science is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and results-driven Program Manager to lead a high-profile, regional project to strengthen the critical minerals workforce. This project is part of PROSPECT (Providing Opportunities for Specialized Education in Critical Technologies), a new Department of Energy workforce initiative dedicated to building America's critical minerals talent pipeline. Reporting to college leadership, the Program Manager serves as the operational anchor and primary administrative leader of the PROSPECT project.

This project brings together a network of educational institutions and critical minerals and mining companies from Utah and neighboring states to streamline, grow, and improve the talent pipeline for the industry. The Program Manager will serve as the key connector between the coalition of educational institutions and industrial participants to place students in internships and jobs, support industry access to educational programming to upskill the current workforce, understand evolving workforce needs at all levels, and seek feedback on the quality and applicability of offerings across the network of institutions. The Program Manager will collaborate with UofU on-campus partners such as U Career Success, College of Mines and Earth Sciences and Price College of Engineering Outreach Coordinators, and the Director of Strategic Partnerships, and will lead efforts on flexible degree and credentialing pathways, experiential learning, internships, and direct post-graduation employment placement that will support U students as well as students at partner institutions.

The successful candidate will be stepping into a fast-paced, efficient office that prides itself on excellence and working together to accomplish big goals. An ability to prioritize tasks and work collaboratively with staff within the Dean's Office and across campus will be essential. They will have a willingness to learn college and university processes and procedures, excellent communication skills, experience in project management, and strong organizational skills, including attention to detail. This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and development, including by engaging in cross-campus collaboration and exercising creativity, innovation, and management skills in support of the college and institutional missions.

The College of Science is home to eight academic units, including the College of Mines & Earth Sciences, and is centered in the beautiful Crocker Science Center on the University of Utah campus. The College is a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing knowledge across science, mathematics, and engineering. The college emphasizes research, innovation, and hands-on learning, fostering a collaborative environment for students and faculty. It is known for its contributions to scientific discovery and commitment to societal impact through education and research excellence.

Drive university strategy, align teams, and deliver on multiple interconnected operations projects. Work to initiate successful programs that drive strategic benefits and organizational growth. Define and oversee a list of dependent projects needed to reach the program's overall goals. Enlist teams, implement strategies, and measure return on investment. Act as liaison between various departments, facilitating cross-team collaboration and understanding. Organize and track projects, proactively manage risks, manage project escalations, prioritize tasks, and meet specific business objectives. Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.

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:

Operations Program Manager, III: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a considerable amount of administrative experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Exceptional time management skills.
• Capable of effectively managing multiple duties and competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable working on both multifaceted projects and daily administrative details to support operational functions.
• Flexibility and willingness to help where needed.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, supportive environment.