About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Director of Administration and Finance supports the Department Head in the overall management of the department. This position oversees all business, fiscal, and HR operations for academic, research, and outreach activities in one of the Ricco College of Engineering’s academic departments. The Director provides leadership, training and direct supervision of departmental personnel and participates in department policy development and implementation.
Essential Functions
- Provides advice to the Department 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 around departmental goal achievement. Communicates initiatives to appropriate stakeholders.
- Provides leadership and direct supervision for all assigned staff to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, policies, union contracts, and regulations.
- Manages complete range of fiscal activity related to department budgets. Develops, assesses and administers departmental budgets, projections and spending plans. Analyzes, forecasts and negotiates funding. 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. Forecasts revenues and expenditures related to the development of new academic programs. 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 options for strategic plans and on-going operations.
- Recommends departmental policy and procedure changes to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including internal control.
- Manages complete range of fiscal activity related to sponsored research including preparation of budgets, and justifications, final grant compilation and preparation in adherence to sponsor mandated financial regulations. Serves as a liaison between principal investigators, University grant offices (currently OPAS and OPAM), and systems to manipulate and analyze financial data for internal and external reporting and decision-making. Develops processes for monitoring and reporting account information.
- Ensures the smooth preparation and facilitation of events and programs.
- Oversees administration of department human resources activities including, but not limited to, on/off boarding, reappointments, staff evaluations, faculty and staff searches, tenure, PMYR, visa and permanent resident card processes for faculty and staff. Ensures staff, faculty, and students comply with University policies and practices. Provides advice and guidance to employees on issues and questions related to their status as UMass employees.
- Liaises with various on-campus offices such as Provost, Dean’s, Human Resources, Accounting, Unified Procurement Services Team (UPST), Graduate School, International Programs Office (IPO), University Analytics & Institutional Research (UAIR), and Information Technology (IT). Acts as a resource for faculty and students with administrative problems and associations with other University offices.
- Serves as the building coordinator. Coordinates renovations, refurbishing, moving, and maintenance projects, inventory, and security related issues with offices, laboratories, classrooms, and storage spaces. Works with the Office of Campus Planning and Space Management on annual space inventory survey and special renovation projects.
Other Functions
- Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.
- Works in partnership with colleagues within the College of Engineering 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 Engineering.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- The new MQ will read: Associate’s degree with six (6) years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree with four (4) years of relevant experience OR Master's Degree with two (2) years of relevant experience.
- 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.
- Excellent organization and interpersonal skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Previous supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Working knowledge of higher education administration policies and procedures, particularly those related to fiscal administration.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 37.50 hours per week.
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 28
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please apply online and provide a resume and contact information for three professional references. The search will remain open until filled.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.