|
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 Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges. 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.
| 
UMass Amherst
Feb 24, 2026