The University of New Mexico

Position Summary

The University of New Mexico’s Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented self-starter for the role of Sr. Sponsored Projects Specialist (SSPS), to join our team of professionals.

OSP is a core office of the University, serving Main Campus and Branch campuses around New Mexico. OSP provides administration, management, and oversight of the world class extramural sponsored research projects being conducted at our R1 Carnegie-designated University.

We provide an exciting, multifaceted, and fast-paced work environment that emphasizes customer service, professionalism, and growth. As one of the top employers of the state, UNM is a great place to work and offers great benefits including: medical, dental and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; discounts on events; generous leave allowances; holiday paid time off; tuition remission and competitive retirement plans.

The Sr. Sponsored Projects Specialist position is a transitional level position that supports one or more functional areas including, but not limited to: proposal review, approval and submission; award acceptance and set up (including contracts and subcontracts); contract drafting and negotiations; and regulatory compliance. This position may be responsible for timely and effective assistance and guidance with one or more of the following: a.) review and submission of proposals to various sponsored agencies; b.) review and set up of new awards and amendments to existing awards; c.) contract review and negotiation of funded awards and ancillary unfunded agreements; d.) interpretation of State and Federal regulations and applicable sponsored agency policies, including but not limited to OMB Uniform Guidance and Federal Acquisition Regulations; e.) compliance with University Policies and Procedures and internal processes; and f.) coordinating with various stakeholders to resolve unique or non-conventional issues.

The selected candidate will have the ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills, problem recognition and problem-solving ability, independent analysis and judgement, strong attention to detail, and keen organizational skills. A strong candidate will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders in a positive tone using clear and concise messaging (in both oral and written communication), while balancing compliance with customer service. The candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an enterprise-wide-system as a resourceful tool to access historical information and maintain accurate, detailed records. The candidate will be responsible for assuring quality control within the assigned duties as well as within our systems.

During the Probationary Period, selected candidates will be trained on-site, however, in coordination with their supervisors, candidates may have the option to enter into a remote or telecommuting agreement upon successful demonstration of completing actions according to standard operating procedures and maintaining consistency in production volume.

As a Sr. Sponsored Projects Specialist on our team, you may:

• Review proposals and budgets for compliance with sponsor policies, University policy, State and Federal regulations, including, but not limited to, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.
• Endorse completed proposals on behalf of the University and submit to extramural sponsors.
• Review new awards and modifications to existing awards and agreements for compliance with University policy, State and Federal regulations, including, but not limited to, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.
• Prepare, process and finalize award set up.
• Navigate and utilize various electronic research portals to process various proposal, award and/or contract actions.
• Maintain knowledge of and interpret applicable policies, regulations and procedures from the University, State and Federal government, awarding agencies, and various private foundations and industries.
• Effectively communicate with and serve as a liaison between awarding agencies, University administration and Principal Investigators to resolve internal policy, solicitation or award-related concerns and issues.
• Coordinate compliance measures with other University Offices such as Export Control, Industrial Security, Information Technology, University Counsel, Institutional Review Board and UNM Rainforest Innovations.
• Negotiate sponsored contracts and subcontracts with federal, state and private industry sponsors.
• Review, edit, draft, and analyze contract terms and conditions to ensure compliance with UNM policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws, and sponsoring agency requirements.
• Assess risk and efficiency factors in determining contract requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to faculty and staff on research-related activities such as contracting processes, contractual requirements, and use of standard vetted UNM contract templates.
• Contribute to improvements of processes to maximize and streamline for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Provide the highest level of customer service; and
• Complete other duties or special projects as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; at least 1 year 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

Experience:

• With Pre- and/or Post-Award activities and functions
• Working on major sponsored research projects or in a core financial services division of a research university or other major research institution
• Establishing effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and making administrative procedural decisions
• Work in a fast-paced, team-oriented higher educational institution environment or similar
• Communicating with Principal Investigators to achieve goals, while maintaining compliance with applicable policies and following standard operating procedures
• Working with an Electronic Research Administration system such as: Cayuse, Streamlyne, and/or Banner

Education:

• BS/BA degree in Business, Public Administration, Legal Studies or another appropriate field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of pre- and/or post award functions in a research university environment
• Knowledge and understanding of Federal, State and University regulations, guidelines and policies as they relate to sponsored projects and public institutions
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong research skills and the ability to independently conduct research on relevant regulations
• Self-Motivated and the ability to work autonomously with a significant degree of organization and interpersonal skills to work efficiently with a wide range of constituents and as a member of a team
• Superb customer service skills
• Skilled in time management and ability to use good business judgement

Pay Monthly: $3,44.53 - $6,175.87 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. See the Benefits home page for a more information. 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 grid. Application Instructions

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.

Please attach: • Unofficial or advisement transcripts to document that you meet the minimum requirements for this position, which includes: Bachelor's degree. • The résumé should include a complete work history, complete with beginning and ending dates, (Month and Year), of employment, and the number of hours worked per week. • Cover letter which addresses your qualifications and experience match the preferred qualifications that are detailed in the Job Ad.

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.