The University of New Mexico’s Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented self-starter for the role of Sponsored Projects Officer- Contract Negotiator (SPO), 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 function of the Sponsored Projects Officer position is to provide contracting knowledge and professional skills in the negotiation of sponsored research contracts and agreements, navigating various negotiation tactics, interpreting clauses, and assisting team members as needed. This position is responsible for daily oversight of the review and negotiation of funded and unfunded sponsored research contracts and agreements in accordance with University Policies and Procedures and coordinating with various stakeholders to resolve unique or non-conventional contractual issues. The SPO must be familiar with and adhere to internal processes, as well as State, Federal, and applicable sponsored agency policies, including but not limited to the Federal Acquisition Regulations and OMB Uniform Guidance.

The selected candidate will have the ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills, problem recognition and problem-solving ability, independent analysis, strong attention to detail, and sharp negotiation skills. The position requires an ability to 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 throughout the contract review process as well as within our systems. The SPO will report directly to the Contracts Team Supervisor.

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 Sponsored Projects Officer (Contract Negotiator) on our team, you will:

• Negotiate sponsored contracts and subcontracts with private industry, federal and state sponsors.
• Review, edit, draft, and analyze contract terms and conditions to ensure compliance with UNM policies and procedures and applicable state and federal laws.
• 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.
• Develop and maintain internal and external relations with stakeholders and sponsoring agencies and provide the highest level of customer service.
• Coordinate on compliance measures with other University Offices such as Export Control, Industrial Security, Information Technology, University Counsel, Institutional Review Board and UNM Rainforest Innovations.  
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 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.

Experience:

• With Pre- and/or Post-Award activities and functions
• Negotiation of sponsored research contracts
• Working in a Higher Educational Institution or similar
• Working on major sponsored research projects or with government contracts
• 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, or Banner

Degrees and/or Certificates:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

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

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.