Building, Cityscape, Urban, Neighborhood, City, Outdoors, Campus, Scenery, Tree, Aerial View

Program Specialist

  • 502487
  • Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
  • Staff
  • Staff Full-time
  • Closing at: Jul 15 2025 - 23:55 MDT

Position Title: Program Specialist

Employee Classification: Program Specialist

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:  43,908.80 to commensurate with experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is seeking a program specialist to develop and manage NM WRRI externally funded projects, including the daily operation of a degree program.

Classification Summary:
Plans and implements a single, narrow focused program initiative for an identified client-oriented operational entity of the University. Participates in the generation of the program resources and in the design and development of the program operating goals, objectives, and protocols. Serves as primary point of both internal and external representation and liaison with respect to the implementation, operational matters and compliance. Provides technical/professional and programmatic guidance, consultation, and support to client constituencies .

Classification Standard Duties:
Programs are usually self-funded and/or grant-funded from a major funding source or series of funding sources. Plans and coordinates the development, implementation, and execution of a single program, special project, or other initiative designed to achieve the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the program. Oversees and administers all facets of the day-to-day operations of the program and activities related to the position's specific discipline. Serves as primary liaison with internal and external constituencies on all matters relating to program activities; represents the University with respect to program activities on a local, regional, and/or national basis. Plans, develops, and implements strategies for identifying and generating funding and/or resource opportunities for program activities, to include development of grant and other fundraising proposals. Provides and/or coordinates the provision of technical guidance, consultation, related support to clientele within area of program focus; provides day-to-day problem solving as necessary on day-to-day program-related needs and issues. Creates, produces, and delivers a range of promotional, educational, and informational presentations, and/or resource materials related to program activities and initiatives. Oversees and/or coordinates the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data; develops, writes, edits, and presents comprehensive statistical and narrative program reports and evaluations. Participates in the development of operating goals and objectives for the unit; recommends, implements, and administers methods and procedures to enhance operations, as appropriate to the unit.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience: One (1) year of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency: None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrated professional knowledge and operational expertise within designated area of program focus.;
SKILLS: Program planning, development, implementation, and leadership skills. Skill in examining and evaluating operations and developing and/or re-engineering operating strategies, systems, and procedures. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.;
ABILITIES: Ability to determine informational needs, to collect and analyze information, and to devise and develop statistical analyses and reports. Ability to develop and deliver both oral and written presentations. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources. Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. Ability to develop and implement funding strategies and programs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Individual will plan, coordinate, and manage the day-to-day activities of a multi-disciplinary graduate degree program (Water Science and Management (WSM) Graduate Degree Program) housed at the NM Water Resources Research Institute; develop and manage NM WRRI externally funded projects, including the daily operation of a degree program; collaborate with other NMSU departments and programs as needed to accomplish tasks and deadlines; perform outreach to communities, researchers, and stakeholders to ensure project(s) assigned by NM WRRI are maintained and on track to meet project objectives and deliverables, e.g., RAWCS education component; provide guidance, resolution, and alternative methods to address any arising issues or complications resulting from assigned project(s).

Communicate NM WRRI program and project details and objectives to local and state stakeholders to enhance collaboration, enrollment, and interest; demonstrate the university's values and expectations in all project activities and outreach efforts; conduct research to discover externally funded opportunities to support NM WRRI’s mission, and provide funding support to assist degree program students in their academic pursuits; provide technical guidance to enhance the goals and objectives established by the programs and projects of NM WRRI.

Create various digital and physical materials to effectively communicate the importance and impact of all assigned NM WRRI projects, including the degree program. Materials produced to include the development of pamphlets, timelines, booklets, presentations, certificates, etc., to increase engagement with NM WRRI initiatives.

Lead the outreach, compilation, and review for reporting metrics and statistics as assigned by NM WRRI to monitor program/project status; coordinate meetings and events for NM WRRI staff, students, and external organizations as needed to sustain program deliverables and needs, including the Sustainable Management of Water Resources Umbrella Group; suggest updated methods and strategies to NM WRRI for improving reporting techniques and data collection, aiming to increase program efficiency and flow.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

 

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:  Jeanette Torres, 575-646-4337 & jttorres@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.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures. 

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus
Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus
Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College
Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance. 

Alamogordo Campus
Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus
NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.

EEO Statement
New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.

 

 

Sign up for job alerts!

Not You?

Thank you

Similar Jobs

Support Astronomer

502380 NMSU satellite location. Remote Locations New Mexico United States 1780 East University Avenue, NMSU satellite location, New Mexico, United States, 88003. Remote Locations, New Mexico, United States 330300-ASTRONOMY Staff Staff Full-time
The Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University, a research-focused academic unit dedicated to excellence in education and discovery, invites you to apply for an available position at Apache Point Observatory located in Sunspot, New Mex...

Telescope Ops Spec

502381 Remote Locations New Mexico United States Remote Locations, New Mexico, United States 330300-ASTRONOMY Staff Staff Full-time
The Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University, a research-focused academic unit dedicated to excellence in education and discovery, invites you to apply for an available position at Apache Point Observatory located in Sunspot, New Mex...

Chief Telescope Technologist

502382 Las Cruces New Mexico United States Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States 330300-ASTRONOMY Staff Staff Full-time
The Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University, a research-focused academic unit dedicated to excellence in education and discovery, invites you to apply for an available position at Apache Point Observatory located in Sunspot, New Mex...

Institutional Scholarship Librarian

502495 Las Cruces New Mexico United States Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States 390300-LIBRARY REFERENCE AND RESEARCH SVCS Faculty 12-Month Faculty Full-Time
New Mexico State University, a Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution in sunny southern New Mexico, invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Institutional Repository Librarian. This 12-month faculty position reports to the head...

HR Specialist,Assc

502497 Las Cruces New Mexico United States Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States 500533-HRS SERVICE CENTER Staff Staff Full-time
Join a collaborative HR team dedicated to service, accuracy, and continuous improvement. We’re seeking detail-oriented professionals who value critical thinking, clear communication, and supporting the university community.

Apply Now

Refer someone to this job

Not You?

Thank you