Program Specialist

NMSU Conference Services; New Mexico; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

NMSU Conference Services is seeking a Program Specialist to plan, coordinate, and execute the high school unit of Indian Resources Development (IRD) to promote Native American students' access to higher education across New Mexico. The role requires an Associate's Degree plus 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree, with statewide travel and potential evening/weekend work.

The incumbent will build partnerships with high schools, tribal entities, and colleges to foster college

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree plus 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.
• Preference for applicants with knowledge of American Indians, including culture, history and educational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate the development, implementation, and execution of the high school unit of Indian Resources Development (IRD) with the objective of promoting, developing, and connecting Native American students in New Mexico with higher education and experiential learning opportunities in education, agriculture, natural resources, energy, entrepreneurship, engineering, and business, and workforce development, and other areas of focus of IRD.
• Build relations with high schools, tribal entities, higher education institutions, and relevant organizations to identify areas of collaboration related to college and career exploration and readiness; and student programs in the areas of focus of IRD.
• Establish and foster relationships with tribes to learn about their needs and interests regarding building capacity in areas of focus of IRD. Nurture and develop a network of teachers, administrators, advisors, and tribal liaisons connected with high schools across New Mexico with a large Native American student body.
• Statewide travel is required; personal vehicle required, reimbursed at IRS rates. May need to work after hours or weekends as needed.

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Staff

Staff Full-time

Closing at: Aug 16 2026 - 23:55 MDT

503780

NMSU satellite location, New Mexico, United States

Staff

Staff Full-time

Closing at: Aug 16 2026 - 23:55 MDT

Department Contact: Cherylin Atcitty, 575-646-1126, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary

We are seeking a dynamic individual to plan and coordinate the development, implementation, and execution of the high school unit of Indian Resources Development (IRD) to promote, develop, and connect Native American students in New Mexico with higher education.

Position Details

Position Title: Program Specialist

College/Division: Agricultural,Consumer & Env Sci Col

Department: 303900-INDIAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PGM

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Open to locations within New Mexico

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: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: May work evenings and weekends

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Plan and coordinate the development, implementation, and execution of the high school unit of Indian Resources Development (IRD) with the objective of promoting, developing, and connecting Native American students in New Mexico with higher education and experiential learning opportunities in education, agriculture, natural resources, energy, entrepreneurship, engineering, and business, and workforce development, and other areas of focus of IRD.

• Build relations with high schools, tribal entities, higher education institutions, and relevant organizations to identify areas of collaboration related to college and career exploration and readiness; and student programs in the areas of focus of IRD.
• Establish and foster relationships with tribes to learn about their needs and interests regarding building capacity in areas of focus of IRD. Nurture and develop a network of teachers, administrators, advisors, and tribal liaisons connected with high schools across New Mexico with a large Native American student body.
• Identify, develop, and/or promote out-of-school educational opportunities, including camps, for high school Native American students through collaborations with tribal and non-tribal organizations that provide programming in areas of focus of IRD. Aid in the development and maintenance of a strong Tribal Advisory Committee, Youth Advisory Committee, and the College Advisory Committee for IRD, and in the promotion of IRD as a statewide program.
• Coordinate outreach activities with tribal communities, educational institutions, and partner organizations to increase awareness of IRD and facilitate participation, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives. Assist in identifying, developing, and promoting career exploration, apprenticeships, internships, and research experiences for high school students through their schools and host organizations.

Statewide travel is required; personal vehicle required, reimbursed at IRS rates. May need to work after hours or weekends as needed.

Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants whose experience and qualifications include demonstrated knowledge of American Indians, including their culture, history, reservation life, and educational challenges. Knowledge of federal and state laws affecting American Indians. Knowledge of and experience with Indian resource education and development.

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.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus is located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States.

Doña Ana Community College founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County.

Alamogordo Campus established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo.

Grants Campus was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Requesting an Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request.