Sponsored Projects Specialist

Overview

The University of New Mexico Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) is seeking a full-time Sponsored Projects Specialist to join our team of professionals.  

The University holds an R1 rating, the highest rating under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The Research enterprise at UNM is the engine that contributes to the creation of new knowledge and the development of innovative solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges. 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.

OSP provides central administration, management, and compliance guidance for world class extramural sponsored research programs.  OSP is a core office of the University, serving Main Campus and branch campuses around New Mexico.  This position is an exciting, multifaceted opportunity in a fast-paced work environment that emphasizes customer service, compliance, professionalism, and growth.

Sponsored Project Specialists (SPSs) are provided detailed sponsored research administration training and development as analysts and originators. 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.

This staff position supports one or more functional areas including, but not limited to: proposal review and approval; award and subaward review and negotiation; and award setup. The SPS role requires 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 and operate with a sense of urgency, while assisting Principal Investigators with understanding compliance requirements and following applicable policies and procedure.  

On a given day Sponsored Projects Specialist on our team will:

• Review proposals and budgets for compliance with sponsor policies, University policy, State and Federal regulations, including but not limited to 2CFR 200 Uniform Guidance;
• Endorse finalized proposals and submit to extramural sponsors;
• Review new awards and modifications to agreements for compliance with University policy, State and Federal regulations, including but not limited to 2CFR 200 Uniform Guidance;
• Prepare, process, and finalize award set-up;
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate and utilize various electronic research portals to process actions;
• Maintain knowledge of and interpret applicable policies, regulations and procedures from the University, State and Federal government, granting agencies, and various private foundations and industries;
• Effectively communicate with and serve as a liaison between granting agencies, University administration, and Principal Investigators to resolve internal policy, solicitation or award-related concerns and issues;
• Coordinate with compliance offices (e.g. Export Control (EC), Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI), Internal Review Board (IRB) to ensure PI meets the minimum requirements for sponsored project actions;
• Contribute to continuous improvement 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.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience:

• Establishing effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to find solutions to complex issues.
• Two or more years’ experience administering sponsored projects in higher education, government, non-profit, or industry
• Reading and analyzing grants and contracts.
• Working with Banner, Cayuse, Workflow, and MyReports.
• Knowledge of Office of Management & Budget Uniform Guidance or Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Experience administering projects funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institute for Health, Department of Defense, or Department of Energy

Education:

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

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities:

• Skilled in time management and ability to use good business judgment. 
• Superb customer service skills, using independent judgement, in a team environment, including working with faculty, administrators, accountants, and external agencies.
• Work in a fast-paced, team-oriented, higher educational institution environment or similar.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both autonomously and as member of a team.