Position Title: Program Manager

Employee Classification: Program Manager

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 311200-EXTENSN PLANT SCIENCES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Cooperative Extension Service

Offsite Location (if applicable): Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Office

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  53,165.80

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The department of Extension Plant Sciences (EPS) invites you to apply for the position of Program Manager. The department of EPS strives to bring strong Extension programs to the largest agricultural commodity areas in the state.

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; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Responsible for the design and development of the program(s). Manages contract, grant, and/or state funding; approves and monitors budget expenditures, prepares revisions and interim status reports on all accounts; oversees, and/or assists with proposal writing to develop additional funding. Provides technical and/or professional coordination and leadership in the execution of program/project activities, as appropriate to program objectives and area of expertise. 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. Oversees and/or coordinates the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data; develops, writes, and presents comprehensive statistical and narrative program reports. Assists in producing, developing, advertising, and marketing project(s) and/or product(s) in various media such as print and video; may assist in developing teaching materials, handouts, news releases, pamphlets, and brochures. 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
***POSITION LOCATED AT BERNALILLO COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OFFICE; HEADQUARTERS IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM***

- Coordinate, organize and manage the Statewide Master Gardener Program.
- Chair the NMSU Extension Master Gardener State Advisory Council, a committee that includes County Agents and Master Gardeners.
- Assist County Program Coordinators with the development and implementation of county programs, the statewide Master Gardener conference, and volunteer activities.
- Work collaboratively with County Agents, State Specialists and other experts on revising and developing program resources, including but not limited to, the Master Gardener Manual, handout materials, program brochures, and program impact reports.
- Experience teaching with and developing curricula for online instruction, using learning management systems such as Canvas (preferred), Blackboard, or Moodle.
- Maintain the State-wide Volunteer Management System using Better Impact software and assist county account administers with configuration and reporting.
- Develop and supervise dynamic program evaluation efforts, collecting and reporting statewide impacts and serving as a direct communication link between the local Master Gardener groups and NMSU.
- Work collaboratively with County Agents and IT support personnel to plan and effectively deliver the Master Gardener program through distance education mechanism(s).
- Serve as a liaison between County Program Coordinators and State Specialists to assist with program delivery and scheduling.
- Promote and market the Master Gardener Program at the state and local levels.
- Work collaboratively with county programs to develop outreach materials suitable for newsletters and media releases and utilize an appropriate mix of contemporary and emerging electronic tools (such as, but not limited to, social media and YouTube) to disseminate information to a broad audience.
- Attend appropriate workshops and conferences related to volunteer management, Master Gardeners, and/or urban horticulture.
- Maintain an active, informative and educational Statewide Master Gardener website with volunteer program development, and assist county programs with the development of web-based materials.
- Provide service to the department, the college and the university as needed.
- In-state travel required
- Occasional out-of-state travel required

Preferred Qualifications

- Educational background (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree preferred) in Agriculture/Horticulture, Commercial Horticulture, Public Affairs/Administration, Business Administration, Leadership and Communication, Extension Education, Agricultural Extension, or related field.
- Knowledge of or experience with Extension work, educational programs, and development of volunteer activities.
- Interest in urban horticulture, landscaping, backyard food production, and pest management.
- Proficient in computer technology, including multimedia and multi-modal presentations and direct experience using multiple technology platforms for managing and delivering educational programs.
- Familiarity and experience with social media.
- Demonstrated experience working with people as individuals and in groups; ability to forge equitable and successful partnerships with other professionals and organizations.

Special Requirements of the Position
- Must maintain a valid NM Driver’s License and NMSU Driver’s permit; use of personal vehicle reimbursed at federal allowable rate required.
- Be an active participant in the Extension Plant Sciences Department, attend department meetings and provide service to the department, the college and the university as assigned.
- Represent the Master Gardener Program, Extension Plant Sciences, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and NMSU in a professional manner.
- Within 12 months of hire, must complete the online Extension Master Gardener Training in Canvas.

Department Contact:  Anowar Islam, 575-646-3406, maislam@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

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

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: M- F (8 hours/day), some evenings or weekends may be required

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.