Program Operations Director

Program Operations Director

The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center hosts several major and yearly community events that require careful planning, outcome focus, and collaboration with the community relations team and various stakeholders. The Program Operations Director serves as the senior administrator for all major community events, providing advanced professional and technical leadership across day‑to‑day administrative, operational, and strategic functions, including budgeting, logistics, policy development, partnership coordination, and fundraising initiatives. The Director works closely with senior leaders throughout UNM and with community partners to promote the Center’s strategic goals and increase community awareness for our Cancer Center.

Job Duties / Description

• Provides senior‑level management of all business operations and administration for major community events:
  • Develops and manages annual budgets, projections, and cost analysis; ensures best purchasing practices and compliance.
  • Recommends, negotiates, and administers complex contracts and proposals; evaluates and awards bids.
  • Ensures compliance with university, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
  • Manages logistics operations in conjunction with key senior staff; partners with all levels to accomplish goals of the Lobo Cancer Challenge and other events.
  • Collaborates with senior staff, delegating assignments and ensuring high‑quality results.
• With the Lobo Cancer Challenge event, emphasizes rider recruitment, team registration, and event logistics.
• Provides direction and coordination in planning, developing, and implementing the Center’s community events in close cooperation with a third‑party consultant.
• Provides comprehensive management of an event goal exceeding $1M in partnership with event‑consulting and fundraising teams.
• Designs and implements effective communication processes for the Center, partnering with marketing and web development units.
• Oversees consultants and collaborators to ensure high‑quality, timely completion of work.
• Organizes and oversees multiple community events and meetings, including consultants and stakeholders.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties that contribute to the Center’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Sets strategies for recruiting, training, and operating a large volunteer base.
• Skill set includes organizational skills, volunteer assembly, self‑motivation, and creative problem‑solving.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Leadership & Strategy

• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in event management, fundraising, or nonprofit leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven ability to develop and execute long‑term event and fundraising strategies aligned with organizational mission and revenue goals.
• Experience leading high‑performing teams, including staff, vendors, and volunteers.

Healthcare / Academic Environment

• Experience working in an academic medical center, healthcare system, or cancer‑focused nonprofit.
• Understanding of patient‑centered storytelling and mission‑driven messaging, especially in oncology.
• Ability to navigate complex institutional environments with multiple stakeholders.

Operational Excellence

• Expertise in budgeting, financial forecasting, and ROI analysis for events and campaigns.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple complex events simultaneously.
• Experience with event technology platforms and CRM systems (e.g., Run Sign Up).

Partnerships & External Relations

• Proven track record securing and managing community partnerships.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with donors, board members, physicians, researchers, and community leaders.

Marketing & Communications

• Ability to collaborate with marketing teams on integrated campaigns (digital, social, email, PR) that drive participation and fundraising.
• Experience leveraging storytelling, branding, and participant engagement to grow event impact.

Equity & Community Engagement

• Experience designing inclusive events that engage diverse communities.
• Understanding of health equity and ability to align events with community outreach goals.

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public health, or related field preferred.

Additional Requirements

Finalists should be prepared to provide official educational transcripts if selected for hire.

Applicants must provide names of 3 professional references that the hiring official can contact.

Campus

Health Sciences Center (HSC) – Albuquerque, NM

Department

CRTC Community Affairs (099G)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

Term – Full‑Time

Term End Date

1 year from date of hire

Status

Exempt

Pay

$5,844.80 – $8,366.80

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.

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.

Background Check Required

Yes

For Best Consideration Date

3/23/2026

Eligible for Remote Work

Yes

Eligible for Remote Work Statement

Hybrid schedule – in office and remote after probationary period and will be based on departmental needs.

Application Instructions

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

Applicant: Please complete the official application; include all prior work experience and average hours worked per week. Attach your current resume and listing three professional references. Attach a cover letter that details how your experience matches the position as described above, including any preferred qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Background Check Policy

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions to successfully pass a pre‑employment background check, which may include 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr