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Program Manager,Water Research

New Mexico State University.com

53k - 75k USD/year

Office

Las Cruces

Full Time

Position Title: Program Manager,Water Research

Employee Classification: Program Manager

College/Division: Research, Creativity and ED

Department: 470039-RESEARCH CORES PROGRAM

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (If Applicable):

  • Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $53,165.80 - $75,000 Commensurate with qualifications.
  • Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0
  • Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  New Mexico State University (NMSU) seeks a highly motivated and organized Program Manager to coordinate a new $4M state-funded initiative supporting the Strategic Water Supply (SWS) program. Under this initiative, NMSU will provide technical expertise to water supply projects funded across the state, with a focus on brackish water and produced water treatment, data dissemination, outreach, and applied research. The Program Manager will serve as the central coordinator and point of contact for project administration, planning, tracking, and reporting, working closely with faculty, state partners, and administrative units. This is a 3-year, term-limited position based at NMSU in Las Cruces, NM. Occasional in-state travel will be required for stakeholder meetings or site visits.

Classification Summary:
Under indirect supervision, oversees the operational planning, establishment, execution, and evaluation of a multifaceted program/project typically consisting of a set of closely related subprograms or associated activities. Oversees fiscal, operational, administrative, and human resources management of the program; seeks and develops outside funding sources. The program/project is usually focused to a single purpose; may be scientific, research, education, and/or services oriented, and is usually funded through contract/grant provisions.

Classification Standard Duties:
Programs are usually self-funded and/or grant-funded from a major funding source or series of funding sources. Manages and oversees the administrative and daily operations of a university program, ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal policies and regulations. Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; Serves as principal point of representation and liaison with external constituencies on operational matters, and provides technical/professional guidance and leadership. Develops annual operating budgets and provides fiscal direction. Develops and implements systems and processes to establish and maintain records for the operating unit. Assists in establishing and implementing short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures. Collaborates with university departments, programs, projects, local and state school systems, and/or community organizations to consolidate resources and enhance programs. Develops or assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient operation of the program/project. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Five (5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and management. Knowledge of management principles and practices.; SKILLS:Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Program planning and implementation skills. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. Employee development and performance management skills.; ABILITIES:Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures. Ability to provide technical coordination and management of development and/or implementation projects in area of expertise. Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Coordinate all administrative and logistical aspects of the multi-college, multi-stakeholder SWS support project. Manage project timelines, deliverables, subawards, and expenditures in coordination with financial staff. Facilitate and document meetings of the Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Committee. Serve as the main liaison between NMSU, the NM Environment Department (NMED), and participating PIs. Support planning and execution of two statewide conferences and additional outreach activities. Coordinate the development of data sharing and public communication platforms (in collaboration with web staff). Track technical outputs and support reporting to the State of New Mexico and funding entities. Assist in mobilizing the core lab and student research team (across Civil Engineering, CAIL, and other units). Monitor key risks and compliance, and ensure alignment with project goals and the 50-Year Water Plan.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Special Requirements of the Position
  • Department Contact:  Stephanie Schumacher, 575-646-1590, sschum@nmsu.edu
  • Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external 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.

Program Manager,Water Research

Office

Las Cruces

Full Time

53k - 75k USD/year

October 3, 2025

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New Mexico State University