Research Consultant II, RHTP

Research Consultant II, RHTP

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $30.47 - $49.69 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Tamra Alfaro | talfaro@utah.gov | 801-538-4221
Application Deadline – 7/26/2026*

Research Consultant II
Rural Health Transformation Program

This position may be eligible to work a hybrid schedule of both in-office and telework days. Please note, a position’s eligibility for hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.
The State of Utah requires all employees to physically work inside the State of Utah Boundaries.

The Utah Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a bold, multi-faceted five-year initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) aimed at making generational investments to build resilient, sustainable rural health systems.
Stepping into a role designed for the RHTP's evolving landscape, the Special Projects Coordinator, Research Consultant II, will operate with a high level of independence to support high-priority special projects encompassing complex public health initiatives. As a highly collaborative team member, the specialist will also support the director, program managers, and the data evaluation coordinator in overseeing the program's data and digital infrastructures. Together, this work directly drives the RHTP's four strategic goals: Making Rural Utahns Healthy, Workforce Development, Innovation and Access, and Technology Innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Management & Grant Evaluation Support

• Assist the Data Evaluation Coordinator: Act as a dedicated operational liaison assisting the data evaluation coordinator  to track grant performance metrics and outcome measures across the seven core RHTP initiatives (PATH, RISE, SHIFT, FAST, LIFT, SUPPORT, and LINCS).

• Partner Coordination: Coordinate directly with internal data evaluation coordinator, program managers and external subrecipient partners (e.g., UDOT, UDAF, USBE, DPS) to ensure the timely and accurate collection of quarterly, annual, and final progress data required by CMS.

• Outcome Tracking: Support the administrative workflows needed to monitor the Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework, ensuring all initiatives are consistently tracking how well services are delivered and whether rural communities are better off.

Tribal Engagement & External Relations

• Lead strategic outreach and manage intergovernmental collaboration with Utah's tribal nations.

• Build and maintain critical, culturally competent relationships with tribal governments, the Utah Indian Health Advisory Board (UIHAB), and Indian Health System (I/T/U) partners.

• Facilitate ongoing tribal consultations to inform and guide RHTP support, ensuring funding opportunities address the unique needs of tribal populations.

Presentation & Briefing Materials

• Develop high-impact presentations, slide decks, and informational materials for DHHS leadership, the RHTP Steering Committee, CMS, and community partners.

• Synthesize complex data and policy goals into easily digestible briefings to support stakeholder engagement across rural Utah's local health departments, hospitals, and local education agencies.

Systems & Digital Infrastructure