Position Title: Program Manager

Employee Classification: Program Manager

College/Division: Research, Creativity and ED

Department: 470500-WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The NM Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI) seeks an experienced and mission-driven Program Manager to lead assigned state and federal programs. This position will manage state and/or federal grant-funded programs, including strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, application review and funding administration, compliance monitoring, technical assistance, and reporting.

Classification Summary:
Under indirect supervision, oversees the operational planning, establishment, execution, and evaluation of a multifaceted program/project typically consisting of a set of closely related subprograms or associated activities. Oversees fiscal, operational, administrative, and human resources management of the program; seeks and develops outside funding sources. The program/project is usually focused to a single purpose; may be scientific, research, education, and/or services oriented, and is usually funded through contract/grant provisions.

Classification Standard Duties:
Programs are usually self-funded and/or grant-funded from a major funding source or series of funding sources. Manages and oversees the administrative and daily operations of a university program, ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal policies and regulations. Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; Serves as principal point of representation and liaison with external constituencies on operational matters, and provides technical/professional guidance and leadership. Develops annual operating budgets and provides fiscal direction. Develops and implements systems and processes to establish and maintain records for the operating unit. Assists in establishing and implementing short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures. Collaborates with university departments, programs, projects, local and state school systems, and/or community organizations to consolidate resources and enhance programs. Develops or assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient operation of the program/project. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency: None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and management. Knowledge of management principles and practices.;
SKILLS: Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Program planning and implementation skills. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. Employee development and performance management skills.;
ABILITIES: Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures. Ability to provide technical coordination and management of development and/or implementation projects in area of expertise. Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The role involves managing the activities, tracking, and reporting of one or more WRRI grant-funded programs to ensure that objectives and deliverables are met while complying with university, state, and federal policies and regulations. The position facilitates team collaboration and assists in developing program budgets and managing contracts, grants, and state funding. This includes monitoring budget expenditures and burn rates, as well as preparing revisions and interim status reports for all accounts.

The individual will prepare quarterly and annual project reports, organize and gather materials to ensure project deliverables are met, and collect and share data to manage all aspects of meeting those deliverables. Additionally, they will review and provide feedback on manuscripts and technical reports, oversee and assist with proposal writing to secure additional funding, and provide technical and professional coordination and leadership in executing program/project activities aligned with objectives and areas of expertise.

This role also involves coordinating and communicating information related to institutional and specific grant-funded program objectives and results. It plays a crucial part in overseeing sponsored projects, understanding the full scope of work, deliverables, and requirements. The individual will facilitate and assist Principal Investigators (PIs), staff, partners, and graduate assistants with project development, presentation materials, and reporting; work with collaborative teams; and develop integrated project plans to ensure successful execution.

As the primary point of contact for assigned grant-funded projects, the individual will ensure that the program's objectives are carried out and completed. Responsibilities include developing work allocations for project support, training, promoting and enforcing internal procedures and controls, and resolving problems. They will also be responsible for coordinating the implementation of the monitoring and assessment component of grant-funded projects which will require time on location engaging directly with producers and other vested parties.

Additionally, this role serves as the principal representative and liaison with external constituencies on operational matters, providing technical and professional guidance and leadership. The individual will develop annual operating budgets and provide fiscal direction, as well as establish and maintain records for the operating unit. They will oversee and coordinate the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data, writing and presenting comprehensive statistical and narrative program reports.

Moreover, the role includes assisting in producing, developing, advertising, and marketing projects and/or products across various media, including print and video. This may involve developing teaching materials, handouts, news releases, pamphlets, and brochures. The individual will also assist in establishing and implementing short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.

Collaboration with university departments, programs, projects, local and state school systems, and community organizations is essential to consolidate resources and enhance programs. The individual will help develop and implement policies and procedures consistent with the organization to ensure the efficient operation of the program/project, and will perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing complex public programs, including experience with grants, reporting, or compliance.
Experience working with rural or agricultural communities, public entities, or technical assistance providers.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of water resource issues in the Southwest.

Special Requirements of the Position
Must be able to obtain an NMSU driving permit within 30 days of employment.
Must be able to travel as needed.
Work a standard schedule of hours between Monday and Friday, 8-5 (may change slightly depending on business needs).

Department Contact:  Carolina Mijares, 575-646-4337, mijares@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.