Position Title: Program Manager, Sr

Employee Classification: Program Manager,Sr

College/Division: Research, Creativity and ED

Department: 200113-ARROWHEAD CENTER

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Cooperative Extension Locations

Offsite Location (if applicable): Position will be in-person located at the Santa Fe Business Incubator.

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with Experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  At Arrowhead, we help innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses at any stage start and grow through our services, resources, expertise, and connections. We are also the technology transfer and commercialization arm of NMSU, working with campus inventors and innovators to protect their work and ensure it reaches the broadest possible markets. While we are based at NMSU in Las Cruces, NM and are deeply engaged in our on-campus community, we also work with people across the state, providing advice, mentorship, education, and hands-on experiences to pioneer new technologies, businesses, and partnerships. Join our team!

Classification Summary:
Under indirect supervision, oversees a large, integrated program consisting of a set of interconnected activities, and a group of associated, separately funded programs. Implements workscope, establishes funding, provides program planning, budgeting, and administration, and develops related operational policies and procedures. The programs/projects administered are usually focused on an associated set of complementary objectives within an overall mission; may be scientific, research, services, and/or education oriented.

Classification Standard Duties:
Programs are usually self-funded and/or grant-funded from a major funding source or series of funding sources. Plans, develops, implements, and coordinates a university project(s) or program(s). Designs and implements systems to collect, maintain, and analyze data; generates interim progress reports, final reports, and other information related to project(s) or program(s). Establishes and implements short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates operational effectiveness and effects changes required for improvement. Directs, manages, and oversees the daily administrative components of program(s)/project(s). Designs, establishes, and maintains staffing and an organizational structure to effectively accomplish the program/project function; 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. Develops and manages annual budgets for the organization and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses. Plans and develops strategies for generating resources and revenues for the project; may prepare contract and grant proposals. Recommends, participates in the development of, and establishes policies and procedures; may serve on department/division/university planning and policy-making committees. May represent the university to various institutional divisions as well as externally entities. Provides expertise in a specialized field and often participates in local or statewide task forces. 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. Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques.;

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. Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. 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.;

ABILITIES: Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures. Ability to serve on task forces and/or committees. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals. Ability to design and implement systems necessary to collect, maintain, and analyze data. Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. Ability to identify and secure alternative funding/revenue sources.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University was created to be an engine for sustainable economic development. Arrowhead Center is seeking a Program Manager, Sr. to lead the Small Business Navigator Program in Santa Fe, NM. This role will oversee all operational aspects of the program, from strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to the implementation of impactful outreach and technical assistance initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in program management, possess strong collaboration skills, and be able to adapt strategies based on community feedback and data-driven assessments. Responsibilities include developing entrepreneurial roadmaps, managing a hub-and-spoke model with local partners, administering micro-grant programs, and providing tailored support to foster a resilient and inclusive business community through the following activity:

• Lead operational aspects of the Small Business Navigator Program, managing resources, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery of program goals.
• Conduct quarterly assessments of program impact and adjust strategies based on data-driven decisions and community feedback. Prepare program reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement, and present these to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Santa Fe Economic Development Department (EDD) to research, design, and implement the SourceLink Entrepreneurial Roadmap.
• Develop and execute comprehensive outreach strategies targeting diverse and underrepresented groups in the Santa Fe entrepreneurial community. Recruit participants and ensure sustained engagement. Create multilingual and accessible outreach materials.
• Assess participant needs and customize technical assistance programs, such as workshops, accelerator programs, and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Organize and deliver training content that addresses business planning, financial literacy, and marketing strategies.
• Organize mentorship and networking events, leveraging Arrowhead’s tested advisory model to support entrepreneurs. Identify and recruit additional professional service providers.
• Administer micro-grant programs efficiently, ensuring funds are distributed transparently and effectively. Maintain an efficient grant application and disbursement process, responding to the immediate needs of participants.
• Conduct quarterly evaluations to measure program effectiveness and implement improvements based on findings. Compile comprehensive annual reports to document program progress, adaptability, and responsiveness.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Dana Catron, dderego@nmsu.edu, 575-646-7415

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: 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.