What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Finance & Operations position at UMass Amherst?
Title: Director of Finance & Operations
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: Public Health/ Health Sciences
Department: Dean - Pub Health & Health Sci
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule:Full Time
Work Arrangement:Hybrid
Job Summary
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Administration, Finance, and Operations the Director of Finance and Operations leads the financial planning and analysis function for the school, oversees fiscal compliance and operations, and coordinates the maintenance and alterations of office and lab space. The Director oversees budgeting, fiscal policy, forecasting, systems efficiency, and compliance, advises on long-range planning, and works with campus partners to support assessment and continuous improvement.
Essential Functions
Financial planning and analysis: Leads financial planning, forecasting, and analysis to support strategic and operational decision-making for SPHHS, including preparation of budget forecasts and trend analyses.
Budget management and reporting: Manages stewardship of the school's ~$21M operating budget and multiple fund types (state, fee-based, research trust, continuing education, scholarships, endowments); prepares and submits accurate, timely financial reports and recommendations.
Financial controls and compliance: Develops and enforces fiscal policies, monitors spending, ensures fiscal controls and compliance with university regulations, and advises department chairs and directors on budget development and monitoring.
Procurement and purchasing: Serves as the School's purchasing agent; ensures adherence to UMass purchasing regulations, negotiates terms, reviews and approves expenditures, and oversees purchase order preparation.
Data analysis and systems: Collects, analyzed, and manipulated financial data; improved and automates reporting and business processes through technology and system enhancements.
Training and coordination: Provides financial system training and ongoing support to school and department administrative staff; collaborates with administrative teams to ensure accurate completion of finance-related duties.
Strategic and operational advising: Advises the Dean and leadership on long-range financial and operational planning and contributes to external accreditation and reporting requirements (e.g., ASPPH, CEPH).
Facilities and project coordination: Partnering with Physical Plant, Design & Construction, contractors, and campus partners; manages project scope, schedule, budgets, work requests, and change orders.
Space management: Leads space planning and occupancy strategy, advises departments and faculty on facility operations and maintenance priorities while fostering collaboration across college units.
Other Functions
Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, School, and University goals and objectives.
Works creatively, collaboratively, and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting.
Proficiency with financial systems/ERPs (Peoplesoft, Workday, Banner or similar), advanced Excel skills, and experience using data to produce analyses and reports.
Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets, procurement, fiscal compliance and internal controls.
Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills; ability to work with faculty, administrators, and campus partners.
Ability to prioritize competing projects, exercise independent judgement, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to promote a positive working environment, including collaborative, transparent, and engaging working relationships with staff, faculty and students; both in the school and across the University.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in Management, Business, or a related field.
Prior experience in higher education finance or academic unit operations.
Experience coordinating facilities, and space management systems (e.g. AttainSpace).
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Typical office hours between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
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
Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 28
Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and a cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.