The Southwest Environmental Finance Center (Southwest EFC) within UNM’s Center for Water and the Environment is searching for a Sr Business Manager to oversee the various programmatic financial operations of our group. Our portfolio currently consists of 23 awards (including 33 funds) with $30.7 million in active award-obligated budgets. We are anticipating growth in the coming year with an additional 3 federal awards (1 includes a cost share component) that have been selected for potential funding with $18.1 million in anticipated budgets expected to start January 2026. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting a large volume of awards. Experience supporting awards with a variety of sponsors (federal, state, and local) is a necessity. The bulk of the work will be focused on our multi-million-dollar federal awards, but we actively propose and receive funding from state and local agencies.

Regular workload will consist of: Managing and coordinating proposal budget preparation and administration, pre-award budget revisions, post-award contract/grant administration. Providing data and recommendations for holistic fiscal planning to help ensure the continued success of the Southwest EFC. Supporting the Director and Project Managers by conducting subaward invoice pre-review, providing guidance and recommendations on contractor spend down and planning, and drafting financial sections of sponsor required reports. Developing and implementing integrated operating policies and procedures pertaining to the Southwest EFC’s financial activities. Reviewing grant or contract terms and conditions and helping ensure that all are being met effectively.

Assist in completion of project-related tasks that are appropriate to this type of position. For example, assist in reviewing financial information from drinking water or wastewater utilities (collectively called “water utilities”). Assist in completing grant applications for funding from water utilities to state or federal agencies. Assist with rate setting for small to medium sized utilities. This assistance would be for staff who are overseeing the rate-setting task.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages the programmatic financial activities of the Southwest EFC’s active awards, which include budget preparation and control, financial reporting (for both internal constituents and sponsors), and fiscal planning and management; ensures compliance with university policies and procedures, state, and federal regulations.
2. Supports project managers by managing documentation of contractor and subaward setup, invoicing/spend down, and closeout across 19 organizations. Currently representing 7 contractor POs and 34 subaward contracts under 6 awards with a total budget of $4.3 million.
3. Coordinates the financial aspects of research proposals, contracts, and sub-contracts, including the development of budget, other financial aspects of proposal preparation, and adherence to funding requirements; serves as a liaison with project partners and funding sources as appropriate. Multiple subaward institutions and cost share are regularly involved.
4. Coordinates the programmatic financial aspects of contract and/or grant administration, including pre-award budget modifications, award setup needs, and compliance with sponsor requirements. Serves as the point of contact with UNM CGA Fiscal Monitor assigned to Southwest EFC awards.
5. Coordinates, designs, and implements internal purchasing/reimbursement processes, financial controls, and financial planning/reporting systems in coordination with the automated financial reporting systems of the university.
6. Assists with project related tasks in the area of rates and finance. Could involve any of the following: reviewing financial information from water utilities, assist in completing grant applications for funding from water utilities to state or federal agencies, assist with rate setting for small to medium sized utilities. This assistance would be for staff who are overseeing the rate-setting task.
7. Assist in the development of tools related to rates and finance for water utilities.
8. Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals. Presents recommendations for changes and/or improvements, monetary control, and adherence to budgets.
9. Oversees purchasing and serves as backup purchaser. Will require the ability to obtain and effectively manage a p-card.
10. Stays abreast of the latest sponsor rules and regulations (primarily EPA) and provides recommendations and advice to Director and Project Managers to ensure compliance.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

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.

• Master’s degree in Accounting.
• Familiarity with UNM financial systems such as Banner, MyReports, LoboMart, and ChromeRiver.
• Experience with SmartSheet project management software.
• Knowledge of federal rules and regulations regarding award management and federal procurement guidelines.
• Knowledge of UNM policies and procedures regarding financial administration.
• Ability to obtain an UNM p-card.
• Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.
• Knowledge of contracting process and associated local, state, federal, and other regulations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and/or projections.
• Strategic financial planning and management skills.
• Knowledge of accounting concepts and principles.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications.
• Knowledge of budgeting and fiscal management principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of accounts payable procedures and practices.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and negotiating skills.
• Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC or Apple, Windows-based operating environment.
• Skills in workflow analysis and management.
• Ability to work independently and possess a high level of trust.

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.