What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business & Operations Manager - Institute of Diversity Sciences position at University of Massachusetts Amherst and Careers?
- 508377
- Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
- Administrative Services
- College of Natural Sciences
- Full Time
- Staff
- Opening on: Feb 23 2026
- Closing on: May 24 2026
Title: Business & Operations Manager - Institute of Diversity Sciences
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences
Department: Dean - Natural Sciences
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Job Summary
The Business and Operations Manager will lead finance, operations, and administration, functions of the Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS). This position plays a critical role in partnering with the IDS Director to make strategic and sound decisions that support research, professional development, and outreach missions of the Institute.
Essential Functions
Finance:
Develops, administers, and assesses budgets, projections, and spending plans. Analyzes and forecasts spending; makes recommendations for short and long-term planning and resource allocation decisions that support institute’s operations and goals.
Leads annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Director. Administers and reviews all financial plans and budgets. Monitors progress and changes and keeps the director and associate director abreast of the organization’s financial status.
Manages fiscal activity related to sponsored research grants, contracts, and other designated funding sources. Tracks spending of assigned accounts, ensuring effective use of funds and compliance with institutional policies.
Executes financial operations including procurement, credit card management, travel and expense reimbursements, deposits, and payables. Prepares and processes appropriate documentation to facilitate timely payment to vendors.
Operations and Administration:
Develops and manages systems and processes (e.g., financial and operational data management, membership management) to ensure smooth workflow. Oversees all program operations and record-keeping systems to track programs, activities, and participation of stakeholders.
Manages recruitment of student workers; support the onboarding process. Supports time and labor processing and administration.
Manages Director’s schedule.
Coordinates facilities-related needs with College of Natural Sciences business office and central facilities. Manages office supplies.
Organizes events held on and off campus including key access, food services, and other event coordination activities.
Other Functions
Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, 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
An associate’s degree and six (6) years of work experience in finance, accounting, or a related field OR a bachelor's degree and four (4) years of work experience in finance, accounting, or a related field.
In-depth, working knowledge of spreadsheet software applications and competence in running queries in computerized database.
Ability to work effectively, prioritize and be flexible in a high-paced environment.
Excellent organizational skills, high-level attention to detail, and the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner while balancing concurrent and potentially competing deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Accounting experience with a successful track record in a financial management role.
Experience in general administrative management.
Excellent recordkeeping; able to maintain well-documented electronic files and manage data and workflow for all tasks to allow effective collaboration with others.
Experience working in an academic environment.
Knowledge of, and experience with, university financial systems, purchasing practices, grants administration system, , and electronic workflows.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Additional Details
At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Required to work occasional evenings and weekends to support deadlines.
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 26
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide 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.