Program Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Us

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Mexico is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship. We believe that every child deserves a champion, and our programs connect caring adult and teen mentors with young people to ignite their potential. Our Programs are at the heart of this mission, creating meaningful relationships in schools and community spaces.

Position Summary

The Program Specialist and Community Outreach role connects mentorship with community engagement to support youth development. By thoughtfully matching mentors and mentees, it builds meaningful relationships that help children thrive. The specialist also partners with schools, families, and local organizations to expand mentorship access, recruit volunteers, and strengthen community ties—creating a broader support network for children and families across the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Specialist

• Interview potential Bigs (mentors) and Littles (mentees) to assess strengths, needs, interests, and match preferences and to make tailored matches. Matches may be:
• Community-Based or Site-Based (adult mentors matched with youth ages 5- 17).
• School-Based as part of our High School Bigs programs (high school students matched with elementary-age students; matches meet weekly on-site at area schools).
• Use coaching skills and regular engagement with Bigs, Littles, and parents/guardians to support safe, healthy match relationship development and child development as well as progress on identified goals. Use a high level of proficiency and skill to apply child safety and risk management knowledge, policies, and procedures throughout all aspects of job function.
• Always adhere to the national Big Brothers Big Sisters Service Delivery Model, program standards, and BBBSNM Program Manual.
• Timely enter complete and accurate information into case management database, using proper grammar and construction for narrative sections.
• Assess match relationships for any potential concerns or challenges as early as possible. With supervisor’s guidance, coach parties and intervene as needed toward successful resolution.
• Distribute and collect periodic surveys on youth outcomes, mentoring relationship strength, and ongoing support needs.
• Work collaboratively with team to assure fidelity to program standards while using flexibility and creativity in meeting match and family needs. Help families identify and connect with additional community supports as needed.
• Plan and organize activities for matches. Attend agency events to support families and program growth. These often occur during evenings or weekends, requiring schedule flexibility.
• Travel throughout Taos, Colfax, and surrounding counties to support BBBSNM programs and matches; occasionally travel to other regions served by BBBSNM for events or coverage.
• Work collaboratively with the BBBSNM team to support high-quality, one-on-one mentoring throughout the service areas.
• Meet with supervisor(s) on a regular basis to provide updates on program and allow for needed support.

Community Outreach

• Identify opportunities to raise public awareness of BBBSNM’s one-on-one mentoring services (e.g., information booths at local events). Set up and manage informational booths at events as determined or approved by the program manager.
• Working with – and under the direction of – the program manager, identify, develop, and manage relationships with private sector, government, and/or tribal partners throughout assigned communities to help meet volunteer recruitment goals.
• Work closely with school districts to keep and grow school-based programs; this includes obtaining and keeping MOUs within individual schools.
• Through community and school relationships, help identify children who will benefit from a mentor; respond to initial inquiries from families. Ensure a smooth transition from initial inquiry through child enrollment, matching, and match support.
• Through community relationships, conduct general and targeted recruiting of volunteer mentors to match with children based on their preferences, interests, and needs. Assist with responding to inquiries from potential volunteers. Ensure a smooth transition from initial inquiry through volunteer enrollments, matching, and match support.
• Collaboratively with BBBSNM team, grow high quality programming in Taos and Colfax County and surrounding counties and support such growth across BBBSNM service areas.
• Help families identify and connect with other community supports as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Education:

Professional program agency staff must have a high school diploma/GED and meet one of the following criteria:

• A documented bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field deemed appropriate by the agency, or be within six months of degree completion
• A documented associate degree or two years of higher education from an accredited institution in a relevant field, plus two years of related work experience (e.g., social work, counseling, child development)
• Four years of relevant work experience in related fields as defined by the agency

Additional Requirements:

• Strong communication and confidentiality skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office equipment
• Valid NM driver’s license, insurance, and access to personal vehicle
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both youth and adult populations
• Familiarity with New Mexico’s cultural and economic landscape
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Equal Employment Opportunity

BBBSNM of New Mexico provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability.

Americans with Disability Specifications

Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based; long periods of sitting at a desk and using a computer
• Outreach and presentations may require extended standing or sitting
• Extensive travel throughout New Mexico, including driving on unpaved roads and in varied weather conditions
• Ability to climb stairs and carry materials in buildings without elevators
• Must be able to communicate clearly in person and by phone
• Ability to hold a pen, type, and grasp documents
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds unassisted, 40 pounds with assistance

Work Environment

• Normal office environment

Equipment Used

• Standard office equipment (computer/laptop, phone with voicemail, copier, scanner)

Job Responsibilities Notes

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities, and competencies necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. They should not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements. Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Mexico may revise job duties with or without prior notice based on organizational needs.