Youth and Project Specialist

The State of Utah is hiring a Youth and Project Specialist for the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs in Salt Lake City. The role involves developing and implementing youth programs focused on college readiness, career exploration, and personal development. Responsibilities include program design, youth engagement, project management, collaboration with community partners, and effective communication. Candidates with relevant degrees and experience are preferred.
Youth and Project Specialist Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs

$19.86-$25.00 Hourly, FLSA Non-Exempt, Schedule TL

The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs (MCA) seeks a Youth and Project Specialist to lead the development and implementation of MCA’s youth programming, as well as to support other MCA and CCE programs and initiatives.

Essential Duties
As the Youth and Project Specialist, you will be responsible for the following:

Program Development & Implementation:
• Design and implement programs focused on college readiness, career exploration, mental resilience, and personal development for under-resourced youth.
• Develop engaging curriculum, workshops, and activities that address the unique needs and strengths of Utah’s youth.
• Ensure programs are culturally responsive and accessible to all participants.
• Implement strategies to promote youth leadership and agency within programs.

Youth Engagement & Facilitation:
• Build strong, trusting relationships with youth participants, creating a safe and supportive environment.
• Facilitate engaging and interactive workshops, discussions, keynotes, and presentations with youth, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Provide individual and group mentoring and support to youth and emerging leaders.
• Actively listen to participant feedback and incorporate their perspectives into program design and implementation.
• As applicable, integrate trauma-informed principles into all aspects of program design and delivery.
• Support the development and implementation of effective and relevant programming that builds the capacity of young emerging leaders to participate civically. This includes the Young Professionals Bridging and Bonding Series.

Project Management & Coordination:
• Manage all aspects of assigned projects, including planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, budgets, and documentation.
• Collect and analyze data to track program outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare reports to communicate program progress and impact to stakeholders.

Collaboration & Partnership:
• Collaborate with internal teams, community partners, schools, CCE colleagues, and other organizations to expand program reach and impact.
• Build and maintain relationships with college admissions officers, career professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at community events and meetings.
• Support broader team initiatives and contribute to the overall mission of the division. This includes supporting the success of the Multicultural and Human Rights commissions, participating in grant and sponsorship reviews, attending board and commission meetings, and overseeing additional tasks as needed.

Presentation and Communication:
• Create engaging and informative presentations for statewide audiences focused on hope, leadership, social connection, and priority topics.
• Effectively communicate program information to youth, families, and stakeholders.
• Utilize various communication channels to promote participation and awareness.
• The Youth and Project Specialist will report directly to the MCA Division Director.

Preferences
Preference may be given to candidates with the following:
• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field;
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth, preferably in an educational or community-based setting;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing youth programs;
• Strong understanding of youth development principles;
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following skills and abilities:
• Ability to support and be part of a collaborative team of talented and dedicated professionals;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Understanding of the work of other CCE divisions and willingness to collaborate across divisions;
• Commitment to an organizational culture that exemplifies the department’s values of respect, integrity, and opportunity;
• Determination, self-motivation, and persistence, including the ability to adapt as needed;
• Expertise in some or all of the following areas is preferred/recommended:
• Community engagement principles;
• Working with under-resourced communities;
• Presentation and training facilitation;
• Trauma-informed teaching practices;
• Data collection and analysis;
• Excel, powerpoint, and survey tools.

Why You Should Join Our Team

The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement isn't just another state agency. The programs we manage and the services we provide are the heart and soul of Utah. By working with volunteer organizations, libraries, local arts agencies, historical societies, museums, and other state and federal agencies, as well as the state's many indigenous and multicultural groups, the professionals in our department improve the lives of individuals and communities throughout Utah.

The department provides a fast paced, collaborative, and energetic work environment that supports employees in balancing work and home life. We actively encourage flexible work schedules and hybrid telework options where it makes sense, as well as participation in exercise and mass transit programs.

As a benefited employee of the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Click here to view a summary of the benefits we offer.

The Agency

For more information about the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement and its divisions, click here.
• 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.
• 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.