Program Specialist

Requisition ID
req28966

Working Title
Program Specialist- HIVE

Position Grade
12

Position Summary

Are you entrepreneurial, excel in project management and community organizing, and interested in supporting economic development and tech startup businesses in the region?

Join an exciting new program at one of the largest institutions in the community and help define and realize the vision for a thriving tech industry. Apply today and join the HIVE team to build an inclusive tech ecosystem in Northern New Mexico!

The UNM-Taos HIVE (Hub of Internet-based Vocation and Education) is hiring an experienced, motivated, and highly organized Program Specialist to lead the development, implementation, and expansion of a the HIVE Pollinator - a business incubator and accelerator program focusing on tech-based startups and entrepreneurship.

The Program Specialist will:

•Lead the planning, development, and implementation of the HIVE Pollinator incubator/accelerator (in-person and virtual components) including but not limited to the following:

o Manage program and curriculum design and assessment for the incubator/accelerator.

o Develop and manage selection process for program participants, including establishing criteria and application process, and managing and overseeing review and selection process.

o Engage, recruit, and onboard entrepreneurs to participate in the program

o Engage, recruit, and onboard community members and industry professionals to serve as mentors and trainers

•Manage the online engagement platform, including update and maintenance of information and communication with participants and stakeholders

•Manage daily operations of the HIVE Pollinator incubator/accelerator, including but not limited to: scheduling, logistics, coordinating and implementing speaker series

•Ensure alignment of program activities with the grant objectives and adherence to federal guidelines for the grant.

•Track participation an outcome data for the HIVE Pollinator incubator/accelerator activities.

•Increase public awareness of and engagement with the HIVE Pollinator incubator/accelerator by conducting active outreach and attending networking and business-related events and being active in the community as relevant

Strong candidates will be highly organized with the ability to manage multiple and complex projects concurrently; have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, including strong written and verbal communication; the ability to establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with a variety of partners, clients and vendors from diverse populations including campus community members (faculty, students, staff) and members of the community at-large (elected officials, industry leaders, residents, business owners, non-profit organizations, donors, educational partner institutions).

Additionally, strong candidates will have high proficiency in technology and use of software, ability to create and manage budgets, experience in program and curriculum design and implementation; and the ability to effectively organize and lead committees and volunteers.

The ideal candidate will have experience in economic development, small business development, and/or entrepreneurialism, with special consideration to candidates with demonstrated experience with business incubator/accelerator models.

This is a full time, in-person position with offices at the HIVE on Gusdorf Road in Taos. May require travel and occasional evening and/or weekends to host and/or attend events or trainings.

About the HIVE:

UNM-Taos HIVE supports economic diversification by building a tech-based ecosystem in northern New Mexico by building pathways to education and entrepreneurship to grow regional talent for the digital economy.

About the HIVE Pollinator: All hands on tech grant

The objective of the HIVE Pollinator: All Hands on Tech program is to build an ecosystem for tech-based entrepreneurship that is accessible, culturally relevant, and provides meaningful support along with various phases of an entrepreneur's journey by:

a) increasing awareness and access with targeted content to inspire and foster tech entrepreneurship

b) developing tech ecosystem of knowledge, skill sharing and mentorship

c) designing and launching an Incubator/Accelerator for tech-based entrepreneurs.

Why work at UNM-Taos?

Thank you for your interest in employment at The University of New Mexico-Taos.

The University of New Mexico-Taos, one of the four branch campuses of the state's flagship institution, UNM. UNM-Taos is a comprehensive community college serving the region from "cradle to career" with an award-winning early childhood education and care center; pre-college programs including high school equivalency, dual enrollment and early college; vocational and technical courses and short-term certificates; associate degrees in ten programs; transfer and articulation to four-year institutions in New Mexico and surrounding states, career readiness, adult basic education, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Located approximately 130 miles north of Albuquerque, UNM-Taos is the only college within a 50-mile radius. Nestled between the Rio Grande, Sangre de Christo Mountains, and the ancestral lands of the Taos Pueblo, we are tightly connected to the unique rural, multicultural, and historically rich communities we serve and as such, UNM-Taos epitomizes the term "community college".

UNM-Taos serves over 1,100 students from a service area including the counties of Taos, Rio Arriba and Colfax, and the Pueblo Nations of Taos and Picuris. The UNM-Taos student body is representative of its communities, with 52% Hispanic and 9% Native American enrollment in fall 2020, making it one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. Our student population is comprised of non-traditional and first-generation students. UNM-Taos is the recipient of several federal grants including three TRIO programs (Upward Bound Math & Science, Student Support Services, and Veterans Upward Bound), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grants including Title V and Title III: Part F STEM, USDA NIFA and LIFT, and most recently, a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.

About 80% of UNM-Taos alumni remain in the area and provide valuable contributions to the region's intellectual life, economy, cultural community, and primary industries including healthcare, tourism, and construction.

The last decade at UNM-Taos has seen transformative and remarkable growth. From state-of-the-art facilities to future classroom renovations, a nationally-accredited nursing program, award-winning Early Childhood Education and Care program and learning lab, and the rising reputations of the Natural Resources Management, and Film and Digital Media Arts programs, meaningful collaboration with the community focused on scholarship, internship, and workforce development, UNM-Taos' roots are spreading deeper and stronger every year.

Drawing on nationally recognized and research-based practices, such as Guided Pathways, UNM-Taos is committed to academic excellence, which starts with professionals who advise, instruct, and support students in achieving their educational and career goals. In this way, our campus promotes an environment of learning, encourages a growth mindset, and prioritizes continuous improvement both inside the classroom and outside the classroom with a commitment to mentorship and professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff. UNM-Taos professionals draw on high impact practices that increase inclusion and equity such as culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching to learn, and creating a sense of community and belonging college-wide.

What makes UNM-Taos special is our shared commitment to student engagement, learning, and success as defined by each student, whether that is transferring to four-year programs, entering the workforce, gaining new skills to change career paths, or personal enrichment. UNM-Taos provides academic and social supports and wrap around services to promote equitable outcomes for our students.

People from various identities and experiences make UNM-Taos grow and thrive. We offer opportunities for everyone-teachers and researchers, business professionals, skilled tradespeople, and many, many more-in an environment that values the unique experiences and perspectives each of us bring. Join the UNM-Taos familia today!

For firsthand information on why UNM is a great place to work and learn, visit UNM Proud to hear directly from university employees, faculty, students, and alumni. In addition to all the University has to offer, you have the added benefit of living in Taos, New Mexico - a land rich with art, history, culture, and outdoor activities. For more about life in Taos, visit taos.org and NewMexicoTrue. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

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.
If located at the UNM Children's Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED;at least 6 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

Bachelor's degree, preferably in business, entrepreneurship, management, or relatedfield.
Minimumof two years of experience in either economic development, small businessdevelopment, or entrepreneurship, either as or supporting small businesses -with demonstrated understanding of theneeds of startup businesses.
Experience working withsmall business incubators and/or accelerators
Demonstrated familiarity with state orfederally funded grant projects, including reporting requirements, budgettracking, data management and analysis.
Demonstrated high proficiency in currentoffice technology, including Microsoft Suite, Adobe Suite, cloud-based storage,online platforms for scheduling, reporting, and collaboration.
Demonstrated understanding and interestin tech as an industry and opportunity for economic development, includingawareness of current and emerging trends in the field.
Knowledge of and experience with collaborating with regional stakeholdersin education, workforce, and economic development

Additional Requirements

Campus
Taos

Department
Taos Branch

Employment Type
Staff

Staff Type
Term - Full-Time

Term End Date
12/31/2024

Status
Exempt

Pay
Monthly: $3,589.73 - $5,040.53DOE&E

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
4/9/2024

Eligible for Remote Work
No

Eligible for Remote Work Statement

Application Instructions

Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted.If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Required documents: 1. Cover letter (In your cover letter please discuss how you meet the preferred qualifications posted for this position.); 2. Resume/CV

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 Refer to for a definition of Regular Staff.