Sr Contract & Grant Administrator

The UNM Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Community Behavioral Health (CBH) is seeking a self-motivated individual to join our dynamic multi-disciplinary team. The mission of CBH is to address health care disparities through: health services research and evaluation; capacity building; training and workforce development; and through increasing access to quality behavioral health services that are holistic, cost-effective and provided with respect to unique cultures and communities.

CBH is seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented, and self-directed Sr. Contract & Grant Administrator to manage a dynamic portfolio of sponsored projects. The successful candidate will have deep expertise in research administration, outstanding organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently to meet strict deadlines and evolving priorities. This position will support a wide array of externally funded research and programmatic initiatives-ranging from behavioral health and substance use treatment to suicide prevention, services evaluation and research, and more. Key components of this role include budget development and the preparation and submission of high-quality proposals through platforms such as ASSIST, grants.gov, and other federal and non-federal submission systems.

The ideal candidate will:
* Demonstrate advanced knowledge of federal, state, foundation, and university policies related to sponsored projects
* Thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with competing priorities
* Provide strategic guidance to faculty, departmental leadership, and community partners
* Be proactive, flexible, and adept at managing detail-oriented administrative functions

Key Responsibilities:
* Manage pre- and post-award administration for a diverse Division in close collaboration with departmental leadership and principal investigators
* Interpret and apply complex sponsor guidelines, funding regulations, institutional policies, and contractual terms to ensure full compliance and timely, accurate submissions
* Develop, review, and refine proposal budgets, justifications, and application components
* Serve as the primary CGA liaison with institutional core offices, external sponsors, subrecipients, and collaborators
* Train and advise faculty, research staff, and administrators on all aspects of proposal development, award management, and regulatory compliance
* Coordinate and negotiate grant and contract agreements, including non-research purchasing or service contracts when applicable
* Support reporting, subaward issuance, invoice tracking, closeouts, and audit readiness activities
* Contribute to process improvements, internal documentation, and the development of consistent and efficient workflows
* Actively identify and disseminate funding opportunities from federal agencies (e.g., NIH, SAMHSA), state governments, foundations, and community-based sources

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned grants administrator to join a mission-driven team supporting impactful research and service initiatives. Note that this is a full-time, term, benefits eligible position. This position will work mainly in-office, with occasional remote work.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

High school diploma or GED; at least 10 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.

* Degree in finance, business administration, public policy, or a related field
* Extensive experience with increasing responsibility in research administration, preferably within a university or academic health center
* Expert knowledge of federal grant regulations and compliance frameworks
* Demonstrated experience managing complex proposals and awards from major sponsors
* Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision
* Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across units, disciplines, and external stakeholders
* High proficiency with electronic research administration platforms and sponsor submission systems
* Familiarity with internal university systems and processes, including Click ERA or similar grant management tools
* Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and productivity tools, such as Smartsheet and Qualtrics

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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.