Program Specialist

Department Contact: Becky Pearson, ,

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Public Health Sciences Department at NMSU is inviting candidates to apply for the position of program specialist. Our faculty and staff are a dedicated group working to support and challenge the next generation of public health professionals and researchers, teaching students at the undergraduate, master's, and PhD levels.

The PHS Department's Program Specialist will support and manage our academic programs and must be comfortable using key data systems to track student progress, monitor and plan for course enrollments, and contribute to the efficient operation and continuous improvement of these programs. Our department seeks a professional with experience and skill in database management and data analysis, including the ability to extract, organize, and interpret student and program data to support decision-making.

The successful candidate will work with faculty, staff, students, and our partners on a day-to-day basis and must be dependable, adaptable, and professional, as well as being able to write clearly and professionally for a variety of audiences. This person will work independently and as part of a team/unit, and will assist in developing program goals, activities, and procedures; coordinate day-to-day operations; and serve as a key point of contact for students, faculty, and external partners.

Position Title: Program Specialist

College/Division: College of Hlth, Educ & Soc Trans

Department: PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
• Under the direct supervision of the department head, work effectively with program and committee leadership to do and/or support the 1) development and implementation of course offerings, 2) maintaining and updating of the department website and course catalog, 3) monitoring of new student admissions and facilitating enrollment, 4) analysis of programmatic and student needs, as well as development, maintenance, and sharing of data collection strategies and related records, 5) design and production of print and web-based outreach materials and social media campaigns, 6) planning and hosting of student-focused events such as orientation and advising sessions, both in person and virtual, 7) design and revision, tracking, and maintenance of documents such as department guidelines and forms and 8) the hiring of Graduate Assistants.

• Learn and use specific NMSU systems (e.g., Banner, Star Degree Audit, NMSU Analytics, Course Inventory Management system, Program Implementation Management system, Courseleaf) that support departmental scheduling, advising, and outreach efforts.

• Use survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey) and basic data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to support assessment and reporting.

• Use Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, filters, and formulas), as well as other Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for data management, reporting, and communication.

• Use basic content management systems (e.g., Cascade, WordPress, Drupal).

• Create and share content through social media platforms (e.g., X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn) to promote academic programs, events, and student engagement.

• Use AI tools and models (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, scheduling or analytics bots) to improve efficiency, streamline communication, and support program operations.

• Perform other tasks assigned by department head for the purpose of enhancing departmental functioning (e.g. budget/accounting, reimbursements, purchases, travel processes, establishing new systems and procedures, notetaking for meetings and events).

• Know when to ask questions and seek help regarding complex tasks and deliverables.

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Equivalent Qualifications: 
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Preferred Qualifications: 
1. Experience in
a. a complex office or administrative support role, especially within a higher education setting
b. roles that involve significant interaction with students, faculty, or external stakeholders

2. Ability to
a. manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines, often in a fast-paced environment and with strong attention to detail
b. recognize when additional input or guidance is needed vs. when existing knowledge or information is adequate for success

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

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.