"Academic Program Specialist -HEOa, CUNY Mexican Studies Institute (MSI)"

POSITION DETAILS

The CUNY Mexican Studies Institute (MSI) based at Lehman College is dedicated to empowering Mexican and broader Latinx communities in New York City through research, education, and community engagement.

The CUNY Mexican Studies Institute seeks a Academic Program Specialist to manage and advance the Mexican Studies Scholarship Fund (MSSF/Becari@s Program, one of CUNY’s flagship scholarship initiatives. Reporting to the Academic Center Manager, the Academic Program Specialist provides administrative, financial, and program support, while fostering leadership and community among scholarship recipients and alumni.

The Academic Program Specialist plays a key role in program development, student support, and event coordination, ensuring that the MSSF program continues to have a transformative impact on CUNY students and the community.

Key responsibilities Include:

• Support daily operations of the MSSF, including scheduling, communications, and recruitment.
• Oversee budget, income, and expenditures; prepare finance and statistical reports for stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with CUNY and federal guidelines when disbursing scholarships and fellowships awards.
• Supervise scholarship and fellowship recipient, interns, volunteers, and the Scholarship Project Assistant.
• Conduct outreach across NYC high schools, CBOs, CUNY campuses through workshops and events.
• Develop and maintain program materials, reports, records, and archives in compliance with CUNY procedures.
• Coordinate logistics for events, including facilities, communications, and CUNY-wide collaborations.
• Support grant writing and fundraising initiatives for the institute.
• Assist in cohort-building activities including retreats, orientations, and monthly leadership seminars.
• Manage mentorship program development and maintain records of mentos, sites, and service hours.
• Serve as a liaison with CUNY Central, financial offices, and Bursar staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Perform other administrative, clerical, and research duties as assigned.
• Some evenings and weekends hours are required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required (Business Administration, Public Administration, Liberal Studies, or related field preferred)
• Minimum 4 years of relevant administrative experience in higher education or nonprofit preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and social media (Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Experience with RFCUNY systems, CUNYfirst, and CUNYBuy desirable.
• Excellent written and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with sound judgement.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the CUNY Mexican Studies Institute.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is required.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Provides administrative and program support to an administrative or academic department.

• Oversees department operations and assists management in planning department activities, creating schedules, assigning staff and preparing and delivering department communications.
• Works with appropriate offices related to personnel recruitment, expediting search activities
• Research coordinates and organizes materials for key events such as promotion and tenure reviews.
• Supervises and trains support staff and student workers.
• Manages budget and coordinates purchasing, accounting, and payroll.
• Provides instructions and basic advice to students, faculty, and others seeking information on department activities, policies, and schedules.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Administrative Specialist

CUNY TITLE Higher Education Assistant

FLSA Non-exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with education and experience. $61,831

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information. Candidates should provide a resume and cover letter.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United Sates on a full-time basis.

CLOSING DATE

Review of applications to begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been identified.