About UMass Amherst 

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region. 

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Executive Officer for University Relations, the Business Manager is responsible for providing direct fiscal support to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for University Relations as well as acting as lead fiscal administrative support for the executive area.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with the Executive Officer and University Relations (UR) business units regarding budget development and maintenance. Recommends, implements and forecasts budget funds and expenditures to meet current and future departmental and divisional needs.  
• Provides ongoing leadership to UR administrators through training, mentoring, guidance, and expertise on a wide variety of fiscal topics.  Serves as point of contact for fiscal inquiries for the UR executive area and assists UR administrators in resolving fiscal issues.
• Reviews and approves orders and expense requests submitted by departments within the executive area, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.  Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with university rules and procedures.
• Manages and initiates purchasing on behalf of the VCUR, involving contracting or bids, contract for services, sole source and justification, and requisition approvals.  Supports all VCUR staff in conjunction with ProCard management, travel and reimbursement, and general office purchases.
• Oversees all payment and billing processes for UR.  Manages external vendor relationships and is responsible for ensuring contract administration, extensions, and enhancements. 
• Executes financial related reports as needed or requested by the Executive Director, including monthly activity reports, payroll invoicing, accrual reports, annual grant, and related information.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree and 4 years’ relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education, relevant training and experience totaling 8 years. 
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products (including MS Word, MS Excel).
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact comfortably with a diverse group of people including external vendors, campus partners, and administrative personnel.
• Ability to set priorities, manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work independently, and perform well under pressure and time constraints.
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to quickly learn new skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Broad knowledge of fiscal management procedures.
• Experience working in a higher education administration environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
• 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

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to 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.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.