Unit Administrator

****The final salary for this position is dependent upon
total education and experience****

Position Summary:

The Unit Administrator plays a pivotal role in the administrative management and day-to-day operations of the College of Arts & Sciences Combined BA/MD Degree Program office, with a key focus on student support. This position serves as the primary contact for scholarship and financial aid advisement, ensuring students receive timely, accurate, and comprehensive guidance on funding eligibility and maintenance expectations. The Unit Administrator also coordinates academic and operational functions, including event coordination, and faculty/staff hiring support and works in close collaboration with program administrators, faculty, and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Scholarship and Financial Aid Advisement (Primary Focus):

• Provide individualized and comprehensive scholarship advisement to undergraduate BA/MD students, from program entry through transition to the UNM School of Medicine.
• Oversee the management and annual distribution of the BA/MD scholarship budget (~$1 million), including monitoring student eligibility, submission of FAFSA and supporting documents, and communication of funding decisions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for scholarship and financial aid questions, maintaining active communication with students and collaborating with institutional financial aid offices.
• Prepare and analyze detailed reports on scholarship trends, FAFSA completion, award disbursement, and institutional contributions; utilize data to inform policy and program enhancements.
• Monitor disbursement timelines and follow up on student status, award notifications, and appeals.
• Partner with financial aid and scholarship offices to streamline student support and resolve issues efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records of awarded scholarships, aid packages, and student communications.
• Develop and update scholarship-related communications, presentations, and student resources, including annual updates to the program’s scholarship website and handbooks.

Program Administration and Operations:

• Manage administrative processes including faculty/staff hiring, MOU processing, assistantship contracts (GA/TA/RA), and student employment within partnering STEM departments.
• Support program scheduling (e.g., course overrides, room reservations), purchasing, and policy documentation.
• Support two standing faculty/staff committees by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and providing administrative assistance.
• Act as the primary liaison between students, faculty, staff, external departments, and constituencies on all matters related to BA/MD program operations.

Student and Academic Support Services:

• Maintain an approachable, student-centered presence within the unit office.
• Provide day-to-day problem-solving and guidance on student issues, program expectations, and academic pathways.
• Co-coordinate and serve as an active participant in a variety of program specific events including, yet not limited to: Student Success workshops, Foundations of Science Learning Academy (FSLA), Preview Day, BA/MD orientation, A&S and SOM graduation ceremonies and BA/MD Olympics.
• Assist in planning and execution of special events, including orientation, program workshops, graduation ceremonies, and student support activities.

• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events required.

Core Competencies:

• Student-focused service orientation
• Attention to detail and strong follow-through
• Ability to multitask and prioritize competing responsibilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems
• Collaborative mindset and cultural sensitivity

See the Position Description for additional information.

• If this position is assigned to the Athletics Department, either administratively or functionally, compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations is required.

High school diploma or GED; at least 2 years of experience managing at least one of the following functional areas: fiscal services, administration and/or human resources AND 1 year of additional 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 with combined or interdisciplinary degree programs.
• Demonstrated success supporting the retention of diverse student populations, particularly high-achieving and educationally disadvantaged students from rural and urban backgrounds.
• Experience in financial aid and scholarship processes, including budget oversight, account monitoring, and institutional coordination.
• Proficiency in administrative and advising systems, such as Banner (Finance and Student), LoboWeb, MyReports, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills related to budgeting and student data.
• Excellent written communication skills demonstrated through customized Application materials.

Only applications submitted through
the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

To receive full consideration for this position, an applicant must:
1. Complete Online Application
2. Attach/upload Resume
3. Attach/upload a Cover Letter (see Cover Letter instructions below)
4. Attach/upload contact information for three (3) professional references, preferably supervisory (references will only be contacted in the event you are a finalist for the position).
Incomplete Applications may not be considered.
The Cover Letter will serve as a writing sample and must describe what makes you uniquely qualified for the Unit Administrator 1 position – outline and cite examples of your expertise specific to the job description.
oScholarship and financial aid advisement
ohuman resources/personnel activities
ostudent support program event planning

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.