Position Title: Business & Partnership Strategist
Employee Classification: Planning Officer
College/Division: NMSU Global Campus
Department: 960002-NM ONLINE HUB
Internal or External Search: Internal - Open to Regular NMSU employees only (temporary/Term employees not eligible)
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $ 77,235.92; Commensurate with qualifications
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt
Summary: New Mexico State University’s Global Campus seeks a Business & Partnership Strategist who will support the NM Online Hub by driving strategic planning and developing partnerships with employers and industry leaders to expand online education access and align academic programs with workforce needs. This role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate planning efforts, manage communications, and support initiatives that grow enrollment and connect students to high-demand career pathways.
Classification Summary:
Manages and coordinates the establishment and support of programs and/or projects of significance to the operation and administration of a major, key operating component of the university. Provides and/or coordinates program planning and evaluation, ensuring that developing and existing programs are effective and in conformance with the overall goals and objectives of the organization. Participates in strategic planning as appropriate, and supports, represents, and deputizes for the principal executive of the component in programmatic interactions with various internal and external constituencies, as appropriate.
Classification Standard Duties:
Plans, develops, implements, and coordinates strategic operational and administrative programs, projects, and/or services of broad significance to the organization. Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement. Determines need and plans, develops, and assesses a wide range of integrated communications strategies and programs for and on behalf of the organization's principal executive. Administers, oversees, and coordinates the activities of a range of specified operating and support programs, as appropriate to the objectives of the organization. Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversees recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of unit staff. Provides strategic advice and consultation to leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of modifications and enhancements to existing operations, systems, and procedures. 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 capital and/or operating budgets; oversees, monitors, and coordinates program budgets as appropriate. Recommends and participates in the development of University policies and procedures; may serve on University planning and policy-making committees. May represent the university to governmental agencies, funding agencies, national organizations, and/or the general public; may represent the principal executive at various community and/or business meetings, as assigned.
Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree; Required Experience:At least 3 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge and understanding of integrated program planning, development, and administration within a public institution environment.; SKILLS:Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.; ABILITIES:Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Advanced verbal and written communication skills. Employee development and performance management skills.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Business & Partnership Strategist supports the strategic planning and partnership development efforts of the NM Online Hub—a statewide initiative designed to expand access to higher education through online program growth and employer-aligned pathways. This position plays a key role in coordinating planning activities that advance NM Online Hub's mission to enhance online enrollment strategies to New Mexico’s public colleges and universities.
Working under the direction of senior leadership, the Business & Partnership Strategist helps identify and support partnerships with employers and industry groups that can serve as student pipelines and future career pathways. The position assists with the development of planning documents, research briefs, and presentations; tracks progress toward partnership and enrollment goals; and supports relationship management by coordinating stakeholder communications and engagement activities.
Key duties include:
• Supporting strategic planning processes that align with statewide enrollment growth goals.
• Assisting in the identification and development of partnerships with business, industry, and workforce organizations.
• Gathering and analyzing data on workforce needs and aligning findings with academic program planning.
• Preparing reports, briefs, and communications materials to support leadership outreach to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinating meetings and maintaining documentation for planning efforts involving partner institutions and employers.
• Supporting the implementation of initiatives that connect academic programs to career opportunities in high-demand fields.
• Collaborating with academic, marketing, and student support teams to ensure planning activities are aligned with implementation goals.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
Special Requirements of the Position
Requires flexible working hours and regional travel.
Department Contact: Yolanda Hernandez, ysanchez@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: Shift: Other Shift
If Not a Standard Work Schedule: Requires flexible hours and regional travel
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.