Associate Provost for Financial Planning and Operations

About the Role

The Associate Provost for Financial Planning and Operations serves as a pivotal member of the Academic Affairs Leadership team at UMass Amherst. This role is designed to act as a key financial and operational advisor to the Provost, Senior Vice Provosts, and Unit Heads, ensuring that the university's academic mission is supported by strategic resource allocation and effective administrative operations.

In this capacity, you will provide high-level oversight of approximately $300 million in general funds allocated annually to Academic Affairs units. The position requires a deep understanding of campus policies and procedures to guide leadership on fund management, suggesting updates to address evolving issues within the Academic Affairs ecosystem. You will hold signature authority for Academic Affairs and work closely with campus senior financial leadership, including the Budget Office and Controller's Office, to ensure fiscal health and operational efficiency.

Day in the Life

Your work will span strategic planning, budget development, and operational management. You will oversee a broad range of functional areas including finance, procurement, data analytics, and space management. A significant portion of your time will be dedicated to managing the Finance and Operations Service Center, supervising staff, and fostering a collegial environment that promotes team building and professional growth.

You will serve as the primary liaison between the Provost Office and financial managers across colleges and departments, providing guidance on budget management and business processes. This involves conducting mid-year and year-end budget reviews, developing strategies to meet changing resource requirements, and leading campus-wide finance initiatives. Additionally, you will represent Academic Affairs in campus-wide committees and assume higher levels of responsibility in the absence of the Senior Vice Provost.

Hiring Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as the position will remain open until a suitable candidate pool is identified. The application process requires the submission of a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage, so please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for three professional references.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

UMass Amherst is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity. We expect all employees to understand and contribute to the implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination. We value the ability to establish strong working relationships with diverse colleagues and collaborate across boundaries to advance our shared mission.