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 Business Manager supports and assists the Head in the overall management of the department by providing leadership, direct or operational supervision of departmental personnel, oversight and management of the business and fiscal operations for academic, research and outreach activities in a large and complex academic department. Works independently and exercises solid judgment and initiative. Supervises and trains support personnel. Participates in developing and implementing department policy.

Essential Functions

• Provides advice to the Head on current and projected status of operations in the department. Contributes information and guidance for periodic departmental reviews. Collaborates with the Head to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Provides leadership and direct supervision for all assigned staff to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, policies, union contracts, and regulations.
• Serves as chief financial officer for the department. 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 recommendations that support department operations and goals. Serves as a resource and advisor on various fiscal matters, such as policies pertaining to new funding initiatives. Applies and conforms with internal financial policies to ensure transactions are processed properly (e.g., Tax, HR, Legal, Federal). Develops and implements short-term and long-term funding data and options for strategic plans and on-going operations. Recommends policy and procedure changes to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including internal control.
• Oversees administration of department human resources and personnel activities including, but not limited to, on-boarding/off-boarding, reappointments, staff evaluations, faculty and staff searches, etc.
• Manages complete range of fiscal activity related to department budgets and sponsored research including preparation of budget proposals and justifications, final grant compilation and preparation, and proposal submission in adherence to sponsor mandated financial regulations. Serves as liaison between Principal Investigators, University grants offices (currently OPAS and OPAM), and sponsors. Ensures accuracy of recorded data through the use of analytical reports and reconciliations. Utilizes financial databases and systems to manipulate and analyze financial data for internal and external reporting and decision-making. Develops processes for monitoring and reporting account information. Forecasts revenues and expenditures related to the development of new academic programs.
• Works with the Department Head to develop outreach and marketing materials to share the department mission, initiatives, and achievements. Creates strategic plans around departmental goal achievement and communicates initiatives to appropriate stakeholders. Ensures the smooth preparation and facilitation of events and programs.
• Participates in the department's space and facilities planning committee.

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 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 with five (5) years of relevant experience OR an Associate's degree with seven (7) years of relevant experience, or equivalent. A Master's degree in Business, Accounting, or related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Supervisory, management, and training skills necessary to coordinate department business activities.
• Working knowledge of budgetary and accounting principles and practices for federal, state, and non-state funds, particularly for sponsored research activities.
• Computer skills necessary for fiscal administration, including knowledge of database and spreadsheet applications. Experience with managing computer files and sharing data using cloud-based applications.

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

• MBA (Master's of Business Administration) or Bachelor's degree in Business, Administration, Accounting, or a closely related field.
• Excellent organization and interpersonal skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to coordinate complex projects and to function under time constraints and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of higher education administration policies and procedures, particularly those related to fiscal administration. Demonstrated experience with grant and contract management, including proposal and award administration.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00pm.
• Required to work occasional nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Level 27

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with application, please submit resume and cover letter which should include a diversity statement (see below). References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

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.