Deputy Director of Finance & Administration

Title: Deputy Director of Finance & Administration

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Fine Arts Center

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Deputy Director of Finance & Administration provides financial and operational leadership for the Fine Arts Center, ensuring strong alignment between strategic goals and day-to-day functions, and supporting the Center's mission of delivering world-class arts experiences. Reporting to the Director, this role provides strategic financial leadership, oversees administration, operations, box office, and Fine Arts Center facilities and information systems, and serves as a liaison to the Office of Human Resources for organizational planning and staffing needs. The Deputy Director ensures compliance, drives process improvements, and represents the Fine Arts Center with internal and external partners.

Essential Functions

Strategic Planning & Leadership: Partner with the Director and leadership team to advance strategic goals, lead the annual planning process, and establish performance metrics. Foster communication across units and ensure office culture aligns with Fine Arts Center and University values.

Financial Leadership: Serve as the Chief Financial Officer for the Fine Arts Center. Direct all financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting across state, non-state, revenue, and grant funds. Lead fiscal year close and serve as primary liaison with the Office of Grants & Contracts.

Operations and Fine Arts Center Facilities & Information Systems: Oversee daily operations of offices and venues, procurement, and equipment needs. Together with UMass IT, manage information systems and infrastructure; maintain internal controls and procedures. Ensure risk management, contract administration, and insurance coverage.

HR Liaison: Serve as the primary liaison to the Office of Human Resources on staffing, classification, and workforce planning, ensuring alignment with operational needs. Triage employee-related requests and connect supervisors with HR resources.

Project & Process Management: Lead complex, cross-functional projects, and implement data-driven process improvements. Engage department heads in decision-making and support organizational change initiatives.

Reporting, Compliance & Communications: Manage organizational reporting, compliance, and financial monitoring. Prepare forecasts, analyses, and trend reports. Represent the Director in communications with internal and external partners.

Arts Council Stewardship: With the Project Coordinator, oversee student arts grantmaking, including application cycles, council meetings, awards, and communications.

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the Fine Arts Center.

Act as an extension of the Director in executive capacities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and over 10 years of progressively responsible experience in administration and financial management, including budgeting, accounting, grant administration, and fiscal year close. A Master's degree or above may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

Demonstrated progressive leadership in performing arts or cultural organizations.

Experience overseeing operations, facilities, and information systems in a complex organization.

Experience supervising non-student staff.

Strong analytical, judgment, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to explain things clearly and in a logical sequence.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead across diverse teams.

Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new tools and technology quickly.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or above in finance, business, arts administration, or a related field.

Deep knowledge of theater or museum operations and multidisciplinary arts administration.

Experience in higher education or unionized environments.

Experience presenting to senior leadership, boards, or external partners.

Additional Details

The Fine Arts Center seeks to engage and inspire the campus and regional communities in the arts through a broad array of exemplary performances, exhibitions, and educational programs. Since its founding in 1975, the UMass Fine Arts Center has been a central force in the cultural, social and academic life of the University, the Five College campuses, and the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. The Fine Arts Center's combination of educational, visual, and performing arts programs not only makes us unique, but provides affordable access to high quality arts programming that advance knowledge and improve lives.

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, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

Required to work occasional nights and weekends.

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 is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 30

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the online application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide 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.