Unit Administrator

Unit Administrator 1

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.

Additional Duties:

• 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