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.
About the Fine Arts Center
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.
Job Summary
The Deputy Director provides operational leadership for the Fine Arts Center, ensuring strong alignment between strategic goals and day-to-day functions. Reporting to the Director, this role oversees finance, administration, operations, box office, Fine Arts Center facilities and information systems, while also serving as a liaison to Central HR 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. The position requires demonstrated progressive leadership in arts or cultural organizations to steward resources, support programming, and sustain the Center’s mission of delivering world-class arts experiences.
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.
- Finance & Budget: Direct 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, Fine Arts Center facilities & Information Systems: Oversee daily operations of offices and venues, procurement, and equipment needs. Together with Central IT, manage information systems and infrastructure; maintain internal controls and procedures. Ensure risk management, contract administration, and insurance coverage.
- HR Liaison: Serve as primary liaison to Central HR on staffing, classification, and workforce planning, Fine Arts Center employee-related requests and connecting supervisors with HR resources. Support alignment of workforce planning with Fine Arts Center operational needs.
- 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 (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master’s degree in arts administration, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in administration and financial management, including budgeting, accounting, grants administration, and fiscal year close.
- Demonstrated progressive leadership in performing arts or cultural organizations.
- Experience overseeing operations, facilities, and information systems in a complex organization.
- Strong analytical, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead across diverse teams.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- 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.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
- Monday - Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm; some 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
Level 30
Exempt Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Early submissions are encouraged.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.