Associate Director of Finance & Operations (Hybrid Opportunity)

Amherst, MA, United States

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Finance and Operations provides management and supervision for the financial operations of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. In addition, this position is responsible for the financial and facilities activities that support the department's academic, research, and outreach missions.

Essential Functions

Develops, assesses, and administers complex departmental budgets, projections and spending plans. Analyzes, forecasts, and negotiates funding, making recommendations for short and long-term planning. Makes spending decisions that support department operations and goals. Has signature authority on department's major fund accounts.

Serves as a resource and advisor on various fiscal matters, such as policies pertaining to new funding initiatives, cost sharing agreements, operation of departmental "cost centers," additional compensation, and faculty startup agreements; tracking these programs and their impact on departmental budgets. Act as primary liaison to the financial staff of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Dean's Office regarding budgets and financial commitments.

Oversees and supervises department's business office staff, who operate with and maintain financial databases, records, and related activities.

Directs, develops and organizes departmental administrative policies and procedures to assure efficient functioning in support of research and outreach activities and compliance with University accounting and purchasing policies. Develops financial instruments for purposes of monitoring and reporting account information. Forecasts revenues and expenditures for the development of new programs and initiatives.

Coordinates with College of Natural Sciences research support staff to prepare sponsored research grant budget proposals and justifications, final grant compilation and preparation, and proposal submission in adherence to Sponsor mandated financial regulations.

Serves as staff lead for Space Planning and Management, oversees departmental space usage, repairs and renovations. Serves as or supervises one of the department's building representatives, oversees departmental space inventory.

Oversees and directs human resource operations for faculty, post-doc, graduate student, and undergraduate student employees.

Develops departmental operating procedures, and guides implementation of new policies and procedures in areas of responsibility.

Represents the department at college business manager meetings and executive meetings with departments and divisions across campus.

Liaises with Procurement, Controller's Office, Facilities and Campus Planning, and outside agencies. Negotiates terms of contracts between department and vendors.

Provides ongoing training and supervision for departmental employees involved in business functions of the department, including administration of ongoing research grants, purchases on departmental and research grant fund accounts, and organizing department sponsored functions.

Other Functions

Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.

Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the University and Dean's strategic priorities.

Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of relevant experience. A Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

Supervisory, management, and training skills.

Computer skills necessary for fiscal administration, including knowledge of database and spreadsheet applications.

Working knowledge of budgetary and accounting principles and practices for federal, state, and non-state funds, particularly for sponsored research activities.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Bachelor's degree in in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.

Experience with budgets, budget analysis and projections, equipment acquisition, and accounting procedures.

Working knowledge of higher education administration policies and procedures, particularly those related to fiscal administration.

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to coordinate complex projects and to function under time constraints and deadlines.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

May require some work during nights and weekends.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 27

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter that includes a diversity statement (see below). References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. In addition to application materials above, candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. ()

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

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