Business Manager

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Stockbridge School of Agriculture

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid or Remote

Job Summary

The Business Manager oversees and manages the complete financial and administrative operation of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture (SSA). The position is responsible for the financial and operational activities that support the instruction, research, and outreach missions of the School. The Business Manager, reporting to the Director of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, must exercise sound judgement in making financial and operational decisions.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the primary financial contact for the Stockbridge School of Agriculture (SSA). Is responsible for the financial management of all Stockbridge accounts in accordance with University policies. Develops, administers, and assesses complex school budgets, projections, and spending plans. Analyzes, forecasts, and negotiates funding, making recommendations for short and long-term planning. Makes spending and resource allocation decisions that support school operations and goals.
• Manages the complete range of fiscal activity related to sponsored research in the department. Partners with faculty principal investigators to manage federal, state, and private grants; acts as liaison to the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration. Works in collaboration with the CNS Office of Research Support Services (RSS) to establish procedures for grant proposals, budgets, co-principal investigators, and subcontracts. Disseminates information on University policies and procedures as they apply to grants and contracts.
• Manages multiple department revenue accounts. Projects revenues and expenses and advises faculty on updates to fee schedules. Prepares requests for new fees/accounts in partnership with the CNS Dean’s office.
• Prepares and disseminates regular reporting on department and faculty account activities, including endowments. Acts as a business partner to Stockbridge leadership, faculty members, and other account owners to proactively provide insight and resolve financial issues if they arise.
• Manages and executes department financial operations in a timely manner including procurement, timely review and approval of orders in BuyWays OneCard management, travel & expense reimbursements (using Concur), deposits, and payables; prepares and processes appropriate documentation to facilitate timely payment to vendors.
• Oversees and supervises the department administrative office staff (2); directs, develops and organizes operational policies and protocols for the School (SSA) to ensure efficient functioning in support of teaching, research and outreach activities.
• Advises the Director on long-term fiscal sustainability and analysis, staffing affordability, resource prioritization, and financial risk assessment.
• Establishes and maintains effective internal controls to ensure fiscal compliance, audit readiness, and appropriate risk mitigation.
• Collaborates closely with the CNS Dean’s Office, Procurement, Human Resources, Research Support Services, the Controller’s Office, and Grants and Contracts Administration on matters including guidance on employee funding sources.
• Provide needed help to faculty and staff on using Concur, BuyWays, Summit, etc.
• Special projects – Researches and prepares information/reports for department reviews, strategic planning, surveys, and short/long-term department decision making; utilize Flagship Analytics and other University data sources to gather data in support of such efforts.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the SSA and CNS.

Minimum Qualifications

An associate's degree and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the accounting or financial planning/management field OR a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the accounting or financial planning/management field OR a master’s degree in accounting, finance, or related business field and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in the accounting or financial planning/management field.

In depth, working knowledge of spreadsheet software applications and competence in running queries in computerized database.

Ability to work effectively, prioritize and be flexible in a high-paced environment.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, working while balancing demands of concurrent with potentially competing deadlines in an environment with frequent interruptions.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in an academic environment.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Excellent organizational and written communication skills.

Knowledge of University finance procedures as well as general purchasing, budgetary, and accounting practices.

Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning platforms (like SAP or PeopleSoft) and electronic workflows.

Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

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, 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Required to work occasional evenings and weekends to support deadlines.

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.

This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. 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

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.
https://www.umass.edu/hr/documents/exempt-hiring-ranges

Special Instructions for 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.

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.