Program Specialist

501723

Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States

Staff

Staff Full-time

Closing at: Jan 1 2025 at 23:55 MST

Position Title: Program Specialist

Employee Classification: Program Specialist

College/Division: Research, Creativity and ED

Department: 200113-ARROWHEAD CENTER

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable): N/A

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:
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.May supervise staff and/or student employees 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. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

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
The NSF I-Corps Program Specialist will support and coordinate activities for the NSF I-Corps program within Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University (NMSU). This role will involve extensive outreach to faculty and students, fostering program engagement, and enhancing the university’s invention process. The Program Specialist will also serve as a liaison for NMSU faculty within the I-Corps program connecting them with the Intellectual Property Office, other applicable Arrowhead Center programs, and NSF I-Corps Hub Southwest partners across institutions in Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable to support collaboration with hub partners and broaden program impact. The position will focus on program coordination, participant advising, and cohort facilitation. Additionally, the NSF I-Corps Program Specialist will assist other student entrepreneurship programs or Arrowhead Center initiatives as workload permits, ensuring alignment with the Arrowhead's mission to foster innovation, economic development and entrepreneurship.

Program Coordination and Outreach

• Lead outreach efforts to faculty and students to drive awareness and participation in the NSF I-Corps program.
• Develop strategies to enhance understanding of the program’s goals, particularly around customer discovery and innovation.
• Focus on gaining faculty buy-in and recruiting faculty participants as well as faculty champions to support and promote the program among their peers and students.
• Manage communications with faculty members, the Intellectual Property Office, and Southwest Hub partners.
• Coordinate scheduling, logistics, and communications for program activities, including cohorts sessions, webinars, and events.
• Facilitate collaboration and engagement between NMSU and partner institutions within the NSF I-Corps Hub Southwest.

Cohort Coordination

• Coordinate and assist with the execution of I-Corps cohorts, including organizing sessions, supporting participants, and managing materials.
• Serve as an advisor to cohort participants, providing guidance on next steps for their entrepreneurial and innovation efforts.
• Track participant progress and program outcomes to ensure objectives are met.
• Support the facilitation of virtual and in-person learning sessions for program cohorts.
• Assist with closing activities for cohorts, including compiling reports and participant feedback.

Teaching and Program Development

• Assist in curriculum enhancement for I-Corps cohorts.
• Collaborate with the program team to refine teaching materials and session structures.
• (Future potential growth opportunity) Teach and lead I-Corps cohorts for NMSU students and hub partners as needed.

General Administrative Support:

• Handle administrative tasks related to program operation, such as managing email communications, maintaining records, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with promotional materials and program marketing efforts in collaboration with Arrowhead Center’s creative team.
• Provide support to other student entrepreneurship programs or Arrowhead Center initiatives as workload permits, ensuring alignment with the Arrowhead’s mission and goals.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact: Chirstopher Corbine, [email protected], 575-646-3914

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.