The University of New Mexico’s Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) is looking for a motivated, detailed-oriented, self-starter to join our team of professionals as a Senior Sponsored Projects Officer.

OSP is a core office that provides administration, management and oversight of the world class extramural sponsored research programs 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. This is an expert/advanced-level position in our sponsored research office, with supervisory oversight of day-to-day technical, administrative, and operational aspects in contract drafting, review and negotiation. This position is responsible for the timely and effective assistance and guidance with contract review and negotiations of funded and unfunded agreements, interpretation of state, federal and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to sponsor policies, OMB Uniform Guidance and Federal Acquisition Regulations.

As a Senior Sponsored Projects Officer, this position will work closely with the staff in the Contracts Team and provide oversight and direct supervision to staff within this team. The selected candidate will need to be well versed in university research administration, particularly as it pertains to contracts, and this should be reflected in relevant work history. This position will also work closely with the Proposal and Award Teams within OSP as well as Contract and Grant Accounting, Office of University Council, various compliance offices and departmental faculty and staff. The selected candidate must have the ability to demonstrate critical thinking, analysis, independent judgement, problem recognition, problem solving, robust 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 (both oral and written communication). Operate with a sense of urgency, while assisting Principal Investigators with understanding compliance requirements and following applicable policies and procedures. This position reports directly to the Contracts Team Manager.

The responsibilities of a Senior Sponsored Projects Officer include:

• Providing oversight of work and supervising other team members, helping to prioritize workload and resolving issues that may arise during contract negotiations
• Providing guidance to faculty and staff on contracting processes, contractual requirements, and the use of standard vetted UNM contract templates
• Negotiating sponsored contracts, agreements, and subcontracts with private industry, federal and state sponsors
• Reviewing, editing, drafting and analyzing contract terms and conditions to ensure compliance with UNM policies and procedures, sponsoring agency requirements, applicable state and federal laws, and other applicable regulations
• Assessing risk and efficiency factors in determining contract requirements
• Working closely with the Contracts Team Manager to ensure timely processing of contract actions, identifying solutions to challenges and continuously improving processes for efficiency
• Developing and maintaining internal and external relations with stakeholders and sponsoring agencies, providing the highest level of customer service
• Coordinating on compliance measures with other University offices such as Export Control, Information Technology, Office of University Counsel, UNM Rainforest Innovations, Office of Research & Compliance, BioSafety and IACUC, as applicable to the contractual terms and conditions.
• Completing other duties and special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Research Administration knowledge gained through work in core office and/or department support
• History of working on contracts to include complex contract negotiations
• Familiarity working in systems such as: Streamlyne, Huron/Click, Banner, MyReports
• Supervisory Experience

During the probationary period, new employees are trained on-site in the Office of Sponsored Projects. After the probationary period is complete, and new employees have successfully demonstrated completion of workload actions according to standard operating procedures and maintained consistency in production volume, the option to enter into hybrid or remote arrangements in coordination with OSP Management may be available.

See the Position Description for additional information.

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.

• 10+ years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Extensive Experience in Research Administration, particularly with a deep understanding of university contract operations
• Experience working with a variety of sponsors: federal, industry, non/for-profit, foreign, other universities.
• Ability to train and explain complex contracting and compliance topics
• Strong communication skills
• Solid analytical skills
• Excellent customer service and strong sense of professionalism
• Ability to mentor and be mentored in a close, collaborative department

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.

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.