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.