ARID Sr Program Manager - req# 27163

A new university-wide institute at The University of New Mexico seeks to hire a Senior Program Manager. The UNM-ARID Institute (arid.unm.edu) is the University of New Mexico’s Category III center for Accelerating Resilience Innovations in Drylands. ARID’s mission is to maximize the resilience of drylands to climate change. We foster transdisciplinary research, co-create innovations with community and industry partners, and equitably train the next generation to improve economic, human, and ecosystem health in New Mexico and drylands worldwide. The vision is to pioneer resilience innovations that enable New Mexico residents, businesses, and organisms to thrive despite the impacts of climate change on four critical resources: sustainable water, clean energy, healthy ecosystems, and community health.

The Sr. Program Manager will have demonstrated excellence in program management, fundraising and grant-writing, and strategic planning. The Sr. Program Manager will have sustained experience managing people, budgets, and contracts. This position will bridge academic research and public engagement through outreach, grant-writing, and fundraising efforts and support research leads in efficient operations, inclusive and equitable training, and program evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• This position will work closely with the faculty directors to plan, develop, and guide ARID management and growth.
• Help the UNM Foundation and Vice President for Research Office with fundraising efforts to grow the ARID funding base including managing donor relations and seeking endowments, and leading grant-writing
• Raise the visibility of ARID activities to diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local experts and practitioners, and engaged citizens, including planning events.
• Raise the visibility of ARID research activities to diverse investors, including state legislators, private donors, and the general public
• Coordinate, direct and manage operational activities for a team of faculty and staff, including professional development opportunities, meetings, staff reviews, retreats, and other special programs, as needed.
• Oversee contract compliance and funding agreements and manage the annual budget
• Organize and coordinate strategic planning for generating resources and/or revenues
• Be fluent and provide expertise in ARID research activities
• Ensure our commitment to principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Operate in a collegial and positive manner with all participants

NOTE: The For Best Consideration Date has been extended to 11/15/2023.

See the Position Description for additional information.

High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified; two of which are management level experience.

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.

• A combination of program or institute management, environmental science, administration and staff management, natural resource management, or related work managing personnel, budgets, and operational priorities.
• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Fundraising and grant writing experience and expertise, including demonstrated past success.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to write clearly and succinctly for a variety of audiences.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license. Some driving may be required.
• Meet UNM requirements for Principal Investigator status.
• A "can-do" attitude and enthusiasm for taking on new projects.
• A collaborative, flexible approach to working with others.
• Knowledge in environmental sciences through an indigenous and/or western science perspective (Southwest US or dryland ecosystems preferred)
• Past success in leading facilitation and networking.
• Three (3) or more years of advanced or expert level experience with Post-Award grants and contracts management or project management.
• Experience in interpreting and applying policies from multiple levels of authority (federal, state, and institutional) and serving as a resource for others.
• Knowledge of NSF compliance, reporting, and financial accounting requirements and systems.

Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit 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.