Director of Financial Planning and Operations

Title: Director of Financial Planning and Operations Executive Area: Academic Affairs College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units Department: Provost's Office Work Location: Amherst Schedule: Full time Work Arrangement: Hybrid Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Financial Planning and Operations, the Director of Financial Planning and Operations provides strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for the Provost’s Office and assigned Academic Affairs administrative units. This position is a key member of the Provost’s Office Administration & Finance (A&F) team, which serves as a centralized shared services hub providing comprehensive financial, operational, and administrative support to over a dozen administrative units and programs across Academic Affairs. Essential Functions Serve as a trusted advisor, resource, and subject matter expert for unit heads, department directors, and staff within Academic Affairs; provide clear, timely information to support leadership decision-making. Provide accurate and clear guidance on financial policy, fund usage, and compliance. Represent the Provost’s Office and administrative units in financial and operational meetings with campus stakeholders; ensure the unit’s financial interests and constraints are clearly communicated. Lead annual budget development and ongoing financial planning for the Provost’s Office and assigned Academic Affairs units, including preparation of base budget submissions, revenue-based budgets, mid-year and year-end spending plans, forecasts and scenario modeling, and other required internal and external reports. Contribute to long-range financial and operational planning; advise on the budget implications of strategic initiatives and identify strategies to address shortfalls or realign resources. Monitor budget and operating account expenditures across assigned units; identify and address variances, funding gaps, and compliance concerns proactively. Oversee revenue operations for assigned units, including Five College billing and appointments, college and program revenue settlements, Early College programs, career fair revenues, and other revenue-based operations. Oversee post-award financial management for the Provost’s Office grants and foundation award portfolio. Ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, accurate financial reporting, and timely drawdowns or reimbursements. Monitor sponsored account expenditures and prepare periodic financial reports for internal leadership and external sponsors. Oversee all procurement processes to ensure compliance with University regulations. Develop, document, and enforce financial policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all finance operations. Lead contract management and RFP processes for the Provost’s Office, including drafting and processing complex service agreements and professional services contracts, managing a centralized contract tracking system, and proactively monitoring renewal timelines and compliance requirements. Provide direct and indirect supervision of staff and students across the finance and operations team; set expectations, assign and review work, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, conduct annual performance evaluations, and provide opportunities for professional development. Provide support for faculty funds and personnel processes for faculty whose positions fall within the assigned administrative units, including advising on allowable spending of faculty and grant funds, managing funding programs, compensation, and related matters. Collaborate with Academic HR to develop timelines and processes for campus-wide faculty awards and programs. Provides support for Academic HR processes in collaboration with the Senior Finance and Operations Manager. Other Functions Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, Academic Affairs, and University goals and objectives. Works creatively, collaboratively, and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Represent the Provost’s Office as a trusted liaison to vendors, campus administrators, department heads, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders within and outside of the University. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (preferably in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field) and over five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, and analysis. Or a Master’s degree or above in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field and over three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, and analysis. Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-fund budgets including state, fee-based, and grant or foundation funds. Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop financial models, interpret data, and communicate findings clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences. Advanced proficiency with financial systems and ERP platforms (PeopleSoft, Workday, or similar) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Experience providing training, guidance, and oversight to professional staff; demonstrated ability to support and develop staff by setting expectations, delegating effectively, and holding a team accountable for outcomes. Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to explain information clearly and concisely to a diverse group of stakeholders with different levels of financial experience and knowledge. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and campus partners. Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise independent judgment, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing needs. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree or above in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or related field. Prior experience in higher education finance or academic unit administration. Experience with post-award grants management and/or foundation award administration. Familiarity with UMass Amherst financial systems and processes, such as Summit, Oracle EPM, SAP Concur, BuyWays/Jaggaer, and Kuali. Experience working in a shared services or multi-unit financial support model. 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, 40 hours per week. Salary Information Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 29 Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges. Special Instructions for Applicants Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the names and 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr