"Centers Manager"

Job Details

Summary

The NMHU Centers Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating the operational, financial, and personnel activities of the university’s regional centers in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Farmington. This role provides strategic leadership to ensure each Center operates efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with New Mexico Highlands University’s mission, vision, and core values. The Manager engages in community and institutional outreach to strengthen partnerships, boost recruitment and enrollment, and promote Highlands University as a top-tier post-secondary institution in New Mexico. The Manager also supervises professional staff, fosters a culture of service and accountability, and ensures the delivery of high-quality academic and student support services across all locations. In collaboration with campus and student success units, the Manager develops initiatives to improve student support, engagement, and retention at each Center.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and evaluate the daily operations of assigned NMHU Centers.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate Center staff, ensuring adherence to institutional policies and procedures.
• Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, purchasing, and reporting, to ensure fiscal accountability.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Student Success, and Academic Affairs to strengthen recruitment, retention, and degree completion outcomes.
• Coordinate and promote on-site student services such as admissions, advising, financial aid, registration, and tutoring support.
• Develop and implement outreach initiatives to build relationships with community colleges, school districts, tribal governments, and local organizations.
• Monitor enrollment trends, prepare reports, and recommend strategies for growth and resource optimization.
• Support delivery of academic programs and student events at each Center.
• Ensure Centers are compliant with University, state, and federal guidelines.
• Maintain facilities and technology to provide safe, effective learning and working environments.
• Represent NMHU at community meetings, conferences, and recruitment events to enhance visibility and partnerships.
• Collaborate with SEM and University Relations to implement local marketing and recruitment initiatives.
• Track and report operational performance metrics, including enrollment, facility usage, staffing efficiency, and service outcomes.
• Develop and implement initiatives that enhance student support, engagement, and satisfaction, including expanded advising, mentorship, and co-curricular opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong community partnerships with schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to increase NMHU’s visibility and access.
• Serve as the main point of contact for local stakeholders, representing NMHU on committees and in community initiatives.
• Work with SEM and University Relations to carry out local marketing and recruitment efforts.
• Monitor and report on operational performance metrics, such as enrollment, facility use, staffing efficiency, and service outcomes.
• Lead crisis management and emergency preparedness planning for Centers.
• Provide leadership in crisis management and emergency preparedness planning for Centers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management or designee.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
• Three (3) years of progressive management and leadership experience in higher education or related fields.
• Ability to lead in a team environment and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Five (5) or more years of progressive management and leadership experience.

• Experience managing multiple campus or satellite centers.
• Experience with recruitment, enrollment, budgeting, marketing, and strategic planning.
• Supervisory experience, including hiring, training, and staff evaluation.
• Experience working with first-generation or high-need student populations.
• Strong skills in data analysis for decision-making.
• Excellent written, oral, and public speaking skills.
• Experience with community outreach and partnership development.

Knowledge

• Comprehensive understanding of higher education operations, including enrollment management, student services, and center-based program delivery.
• Knowledge of NMHU’s mission, strategic enrollment goals, and academic structure.
• Familiarity with fiscal management, budgeting, procurement, and reporting processes.
• Understanding of recruitment pipelines and partnerships with school districts, community colleges, tribal communities, and workforce agencies.
• Awareness of federal and state regulations related to higher education operations, financial aid, and student privacy (FERPA).
• Knowledge of regional demographics and educational needs across northern and central New Mexico.

Skills

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to motivate, train, and develop staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging students, staff, faculty, and external partners.
• Proficiency in data-driven decision-making, performance analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and deadlines effectively.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and fostering collaboration across university departments.
• Proficient in using CRM systems (e.g., Slate), student information systems (e.g., Banner), and productivity tools (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills for representing NMHU at community and institutional events.

Abilities

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement strategic initiatives that support recruitment, retention, and student success.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with community stakeholders to promote NMHU’s presence and reputation.
• Ability to analyze operational and enrollment data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Ability to travel regularly to multiple centers, including weekly to Santa Fe and biweekly to Farmington.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining alignment with institutional priorities.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs, maintain confidentiality, and uphold NMHU’s values of inclusion, service, and academic excellence.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel to NMHU Centers and community sites.
• Regular travel to the Santa Fe Center every week and to the Farmington Center approximately every two weeks.
• Occasional evening and weekend work for events or recruitment activities. Office environment with extensive interaction with students, staff, faculty, and community partners

Physical Demands

• The position requires the ability to travel regularly between NMHU Centers, including weekly to Santa Fe and biweekly to Farmington, as well as occasional statewide travel for recruitment or partnership events.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods in an office, meeting, or classroom environment.
• Requires sufficient manual dexterity and coordination to operate a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to walk across campus facilities, set up event materials, and interact with students and staff in multiple locations.
• Requires clear verbal communication, active listening, and visual acuity to perform administrative and supervisory functions effectively.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support outreach, events, or student service activities.