Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: B1040 / Sponsored Projects Splst
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 11

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

This is an entry staff level position in a sponsored research office and supports one or more functional areas including, but not limited to: funding information; regulatory compliance; proposal review, approval and processing; award negotiation and acceptance (including contracts and subcontracts); and award setup. This is a core function with university wide scope. Positions in this classification are reserved for the Office of Sponsored Projects (PreAward) use only and have delegated signatory authority from the Chancellor for Health Sciences and/or the Vice President for Research for all sponsored projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Guides and facilitates faculty and staff in the development and preparation of research proposals, contracts, sub-contracts, and agreements, to include budgets, documentation, and interpretation of funding requirements.
  2. Analyzes and evaluates contract and grant budgets for correct calculation of expenditure categories such as salaries, percent of effort, salary adjustment increases, fringe benefits, indirect costs, materials, and equipment.
  3. Serves as a central negotiator and liaison between the University, funding agencies, and contract entities; researches, drafts, and approves formal responses to requests for proposals, quotation, contracts, and agreements with guidance from senior staff.
  4. Analyzes and evaluates awarded proposals, contracts, and subcontracts for compliance with funding agency, federal, state, and university requirements. Prepares required acceptance documentation, and obtains official university signatures; recommends approval or rejection of deviations from contract specifications.
  5. Assists in the formulation of processes and procedures for negotiation of contract and grant pre-awards and post-awards to meet university requirements; researches appropriate federal, state, and local requirements to facilitate compliance by all parties; assists in arbitration and resolution of conflicting interests, as necessary with assistance from senior staff.
  6. Coordinates receipt of awards and contract documentation; maintains proposal and funding records in database systems, and prepares scheduled and special reports, studies and analyses.
  7. May assist in special projects, and performs associated administrative duties, as assigned.
  8. Supports a customer group and works with other internal university contacts.
  9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.
  • 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgements.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in computer data base systems.
  • Ability to perform intermediate tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
  • Records maintenance skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of proposal and grant writing procedures and requirements.
  • Knowledge of federal, state and/or community funding sources and mechanisms.
  • Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to present information effectively to groups.
  • Knowledge of mathematics.
  • Ability to provide technical advice and information to faculty and staff in area of expertise.
  • Analytical, evaluative, critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to analyze budgetary line items for compliance with budget guidelines.
  • Knowledge of computer-aided research administration systems.
  • Information research skills.

Distinguishing Characteristics

    Position requires: a) provision of standard guidance, consultation, and quality control to research faculty, staff, and administration regarding less complicated aspects of the contracting and granting processes; b) review and approval of integrated documents, proposals, reports and related materials with the guidance of senior staff; c) negotiation and facilitation of typical agreements with mentorship from senior staff; d) prime contact for the organization for technical solutions issues on specific projects.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/20/2017