Program Manager

Program Manager

Requisition ID req34520

Working Title Program Manager

Position Grade 13

Position Summary The COSMIAC Research Center within UNM's School of Engineering is searching for a Program Manager to oversee the administrative, financial, and planning operations of a contract-funded research program. Under indirect supervision, this position performs critical tasks supporting UNM COSMIAC by overseeing budget design and maintenance, developing administrative documents, managing scheduling considerations, and implementing control processes to ensure full compliance with contract requirements. The ideal candidate will serve as the primary liaison between COSMIAC, the UNM SOE Research Support Office (RSO), and the funding agency, ensuring accurate communication, timely reporting, and effective coordination. This is a term position tied to the contract funding period. Regular workload will consist of: Managing and overseeing administrative, financial, and daily operations of assigned contracts. Designing, implementing, and maintaining budgets and preparing financial reports for internal constituents and sponsors. Preparing and managing administrative and contractual documents to support program oversight and accountability. Coordinating program data compilation and developing narrative and financial reports for stakeholders. Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages and oversees administrative, financial, and daily operations of the assigned contract, ensuring compliance with UNM, state, and federal policies and regulations.
• Designs, implements, and maintains budgets; prepares revisions; tracks expenditures; and provides timely financial and status reports to COSMIAC leadership, UNM SOE RSO, and the sponsor.
• Prepares, maintains, and manages administrative and contractual documents to support oversight, accountability, and control of the contract.
• Serves as primary liaison between COSMIAC, UNM SOE RSO, and the sponsor, ensuring alignment on program objectives, deliverables, and reporting requirements; coordinates communication and collaboration among all stakeholders.
• Provides technical and professional coordination in the execution of program activities, particularly in areas of financial management, reporting, and contract compliance; assists in establishing and implementing program goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
• Develops and implements systems and processes to establish and maintain accurate financial and administrative records for the program; ensures timely preparation and submission of required deliverables, documentation, and reports.
• Coordinates and compiles program data, develops narrative and financial reports, and presents updates to stakeholders as required; ensures timely preparation and submission of required deliverables, documentation, and reports.
• 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; stays abreast of the latest sponsor rules and regulations and provides recommendations to ensure compliance.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned in support of the contract and COSMIAC operations.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED; at least 6 years of experience 2 of which are management level 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 2 years of project or financial management experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Finance, or related field.
• Familiarity with UNM financial systems such as Banner, MyReports, LoboMart, and ChromeRiver.
• Experience with project management software and administrative systems.
• Knowledge of federal rules and regulations regarding contract management and federal procurement guidelines.
• Knowledge of UNM policies and procedures regarding financial administration.
• Strong knowledge of budget preparation, financial management, and reporting practices.
• Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.
• Knowledge of contract and grant management principles 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.
• 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.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and possess a high level of trust.
• Ability to foster cooperative and professional working relationships.

Additional Requirements Due to budgetary constraints, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Campus Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department

COSMIAC (282A)

Employment Type Staff

Staff Type Term - Full-Time

Term End Date 06/30/2026

Status Exempt

Pay Monthly: $4,236.27 - $5,950.53

Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required Yes

For Best Consideration Date 10/20/2025

Eligible for Remote Work

Eligible for Remote Work Statement

Application Instructions

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.

Please complete UNMJobs application and include a cover letter and contact information for 3 professional references.

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.