Admin Assistant 3-Decedent Affairs

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator seeks an organized Administrative Assistant 3 to support complex operations, education programs, and decedent services.

This role handles data systems, dashboards, and high-volume communications, assisting leadership and ensuring compliance, confidentiality, and efficient workflows in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degrees above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Establishes, updates and maintains DNA files and records.
• Implements and maintains data management systems; conducts critical data research, handles problem resolution.
• Provide and oversee support activities within the Decedent Affairs department.
• Manage high inbound call volume and point-of-contact for next of kin, funeral homes, and law enforcement and through various communication methods.
• Provide incoming and outgoing correspondence; maintaining and monitoring deadline calendar; and providing critical information relative to all areas in OMI.
• Provide administrative support to Decedent Affairs department and Supervisor by utilizing knowledge of department operations to plan, develop and execute department service goals.
• Complete various tasks in the processing of decedents to and from OMI.
• Process critical documentation necessary for the identification and release of decedents.
• Perform specialized research for effective location of next of kin.

Skills

Medical education support

Dashboard creation

Confidential data handling

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI), a nationally accredited program within The University of New Mexico School of Medicine Department of Pathology, is seeking a highly organized and experienced Administrative Assistant 3 to support complex operational, educational, and programmatic functions. OMI investigates deaths across New Mexico that are sudden, violent, untimely, or unexpected and serves families, communities, and legal partners with professionalism and compassion.

This position plays a critical role in supporting departmental operations, coordinating projects, and maintaining structured workflows that support both administrative and medical education-related initiatives. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong independent judgement, and brings advanced experience with Smartsheet's and data-driven tracking systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Establishes, updates and maintains DNA files and records.
• Implements and maintains data management systems; conducts critical data research, handles problem resolution.
• Provide and oversee support activities within the Decedent Affairs department.
• Manage high inbound call volume and point-of-contact for next of kin, funeral homes, and law enforcement and through various communication methods.
• Provide incoming and outgoing correspondence; maintaining and monitoring deadline calendar; and providing critical information relative to all areas in OMI.
• Provide administrative support to Decedent Affairs department and Supervisor by utilizing knowledge of department operations to plan, develop and execute department service goals.
• Complete various tasks in the processing of decedents to and from OMI.
• Process critical documentation necessary for the identification and release of decedents.
• Perform specialized research for effective location of next of kin.

Applicants may work weekends/holidays.

To learn more about the program, visit: https://hsc.unm.edu/omi/services/. OMI is a 24/7 facility.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• If this position is assigned to the Athletics Department, either administratively or functionally, compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations is required.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting medical education, academic programs, or healthcare operations.
• Knowledge of University or academic medical center environments.
• Experience creating dashboards, automated workflows, and reporting tools.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to support leadership-level initiatives.
• Experience in handling evidence and highly confidential information.
• Experience working in the death industry.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and/or kinesiology.
• Ability to work under complex and/or stressful situations

• Campus: Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
• Department: Office of the Medical Investigator (389A)
• Employment Type: Staff
• Staff Type: Regular - Full-Time
• Status: Non-Exempt
• Pay: Hourly: $18.27 - $23.50
• Benefits Eligible: This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
• ERB Statement: As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
• Background Check Required: Yes
• For Best Consideration Date: 8/26/2026
• Eligible for Remote Work: No

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.