Program Coordinator

Overview

The New Mexico Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NM EPSCoR) is a National Science Foundation-funded initiative designed to strengthen research capacity and build a diverse, well-prepared STEM workforce across the state. The mission of NM EPSCoR is to build the state’s capacity to conduct scientific research while cultivating a well-qualified STEM workforce. We envision New Mexico as a contributor to the national and global STEM research enterprise and one that promotes innovation and economic development.

We do this through multi-year, federally funded projects that include New Mexico's research universities, primarily undergraduate higher education institutions, national laboratories, and other organizations. Research Infrastructure Optimization for New Mexico (RIO-NM) is NM EPSCoR’s current award focused on strengthening the state’s capacity for collaborative, data-driven research and expanding institutional support systems that enable inclusive research environments. RIO-NM works across institutions and sectors to advance discovery, develop infrastructure, and support the next generation of STEM professionals in New Mexico.

NM EPSCoR seeks a Program Coordinator to support the NSF EPSCoR-funded RIO-NM project, a statewide research collaboration aimed at expanding New Mexico’s research infrastructure and workforce.

The Program Coordinator will support the day-to-day administrative, operational, and programmatic functions of the RIO-NM initiative. This position plays a critical role in coordinating internal operations, fiscal tracking, and statewide engagement for a complex, grant-funded research collaboration. Responsibilities include program planning, event coordination, partner communication, reporting, and assistance with budgeting and purchasing activities. The position reports to the Associate Director of NM EPSCoR and works closely with the Communications and Outreach Manager and Project Administrator.

• Support statewide partner engagement and cross-institutional coordination by assisting with meetings, trainings and events.
• Serve as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on day-to-day programmatic matters to ensure effective coordination and timely communication across multiple platforms (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom, Slack, Trello, Notion, etc.).
• Coordinate internal program operations and support implementation of RIO-NM initiatives, including organizing team meetings, planning sessions, and internal communications
• Support program evaluation and reporting by maintaining accurate program records, organizing participation and outcome data, and preparing summaries and other reporting materials. Assist the external evaluator and project staff by drafting, disseminating, and organizing responses to data inquiries, and ensuring timely access to relevant program information.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director and Communications and Outreach Manager to support communication and documentation across RIO-NM. Assist with preparing and formatting outreach and educational materials, promotional content, and documentation for workshops, trainings and program events. Ensure consistency in formatting, branding, and accessibility.
• Provide administrative support for financial activities across RIO-NM, including preparing purchase requests, tracking invoices and assisting with reimbursements.
• Provide general administrative support such as preparing correspondence, formatting documents, maintaining organized electronic files, and assisting with scheduling or internal logistics as needed to ensure smooth day-to-day operations

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 1–3 years of experience working within the University of New Mexico system, with familiarity navigating UNM administrative processes and systems.
• 1–3 years of experience in planning and coordinating large or complex events, meetings, or workshops.
• Working knowledge of UNM Travel policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of UNM Purchasing and P-Card policies and procedures.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work across multiple communication platforms (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom, Slack, Trello, Notion, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Prior experience with research or higher education programs is a plus.