Sponsored Projects Splst,Sr

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.