Programmatic Manager Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

The College of Science is seeking an experienced leader to direct a complex and rapidly expanding experiential learning enterprise at the University of Utah. The Science Research Initiative (SRI) is the College’s signature undergraduate research program that has grown into a large, sophisticated organization poised to provide meaningful hands‑on research experiences to all incoming College of Science students in their first year on campus. A recent expansion includes the SRI Career Accelerator Program (SRI‑CAP), which provides juniors and seniors with professional and technical skills development and industry connections. In addition to permanently staffed leadership, the program is supported by a team of more than a dozen SRI Fellows, postdocs who lead research streams and support an associated structured course. SRI has grown tremendously since 2020, now serving approximately 650 undergraduate students per year, with substantial additional growth projected. Beyond SRI, the director will manage other related experiential learning programs, such as the ACCESS Scholars Program, a multi‑year cohort program that supports students in becoming leaders in scientific disciplines and beyond. The ideal candidate demonstrates experience leading complex educational programs, building organizational infrastructure, and developing high‑performing teams.

• Provide strategic direction for experiential learning opportunities, including SRI, SRI‑CAP and ACCESS Scholars, aligning program goals with College and University priorities for student success and experiential learning.
• Lead planning efforts to sustainably scale the programs to accommodate increasing student enrollment and participation while maintaining program quality and impact.
• Develop and implement a long‑term vision for experiential learning across the College of Science that serves students throughout their undergraduate journey and prepares them for success in their careers.
• Develop, refine, and implement new experiences to accommodate shifts in student interests and enrollment growth.
• Pursue extramural funding opportunities to support program growth, expansion, and sustainability.
• Establish clear organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities for staff, postdocs, and program leadership to optimize team effectiveness.
• Design and implement operational processes, systems, and workflows necessary to support a sophisticated, large‑scale experiential learning enterprise.
• Develop scalable program structures and standardized procedures that can accommodate continued growth.
• Create metrics and assessment frameworks to evaluate program outcomes and impact, operational efficiency, and areas for improvement.
• Serve as primary point of contact for SRI and related programs, representing them to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee all programmatic aspects of SRI, SRI‑CAP, ACCESS Scholars and related experiential learning initiatives, ensuring cohesive pathways for students from first‑year research experiences through upper‑level professional development opportunities.
• Provide strategic vision and oversight of the recruitment and development of new SRI research streams, ensuring prospective stream leaders are supported in design, implementation, mentoring, and logistics.
• Maintain and update mentor training materials and professional development resources to support stream leaders and others in mentorship roles.
• Ensure alignment of skills developed through experiential learning programs with career pathways and employment opportunities.
• Cultivate and steward internal and external relationships to support programmatic goals, including local industry partners; grow industry connections and internship opportunities.
• Implement meaningful cohort experiences for all SRI and ACCESS participants.
• Serve as direct supervisor for SRI leadership team members, Program Manager, and other program staff, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Build and maintain a collaborative, high‑performing team culture that supports innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate the work of staff and postdocs to ensure efficient operations and eliminate duplication of effort.
• Foster collegiality and collaboration across the program and within the broader College of Science community.
• Provide direction in the recruitment of students to experiential learning opportunities; work with college staff to develop strategies that increase program participation and student success.
• Lead efforts to assess program impact on participants, using data to inform continuous program improvement.
• Support a culture of safety in all SRI research facilities.
• Ensure programs are meeting programmatic goals, serving the needs of College of Science students, and aligned with college and institutional priorities.
• Serve as responsible steward of College and University resources, maximizing impact and efficiency.
• Work collaboratively with College of Science leadership to identify resource needs and opportunities for program enhancement.
• Uphold the core values of the College of Science in all aspects of program leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalency) with at least 12 years of directly related work experience, or a master’s degree (or equivalency) with at least 10 years of directly related work experience.
• Equivalent experience: one year of higher education can be substituted for one year of directly related work experience (e.g., bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

• Doctoral degree in science, education, or a related field.
• Experience with undergraduate research programs or experiential learning initiatives in higher education.
• Track record of successful grant writing and securing external funding.
• Experience working in a research university setting.
• Knowledge of career development and professional preparation for STEM students.
• Familiarity with assessment and evaluation of educational programs.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working with students and possesses a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants. 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.

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. 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.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. 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. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post‑retirement rules and restrictions.