Director of Financial Planning and Operations

Title: Director of Financial Planning and Operations

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Provost's Office

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Financial Planning and Operations, the Director of Financial Planning and Operations provides strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for the Provost’s Office and assigned Academic Affairs administrative units. This position is a key member of the Provost’s Office Administration & Finance (A&F) team, which serves as a centralized shared services hub providing comprehensive financial, operational, and administrative support to over a dozen administrative units and programs across Academic Affairs.

Serve as a trusted advisor, resource, and subject matter expert for unit heads, department directors, and staff within Academic Affairs; provide clear, timely information to support leadership decision-making. Provide accurate and clear guidance on financial policy, fund usage, and compliance. Represent the Provost’s Office and administrative units in financial and operational meetings with campus stakeholders; ensure the unit’s financial interests and constraints are clearly communicated.

Lead annual budget development and ongoing financial planning for the Provost’s Office and assigned Academic Affairs units, including preparation of base budget submissions, revenue-based budgets, mid-year and year-end spending plans, forecasts and scenario modeling, and other required internal and external reports. Contribute to long-range financial and operational planning; advise on the budget implications of strategic initiatives and identify strategies to address shortfalls or realign resources.

Monitor budget and operating account expenditures across assigned units; identify and address variances, funding gaps, and compliance concerns proactively. Oversee revenue operations for assigned units, including Five College billing and appointments, college and program revenue settlements, Early College programs, career fair revenues, and other revenue-based operations.

Oversee post-award financial management for the Provost’s Office grants and foundation award portfolio. Ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, accurate financial reporting, and timely drawdowns or reimbursements. Monitor sponsored account expenditures and prepare periodic financial reports for internal leadership and external sponsors.

Oversee all procurement processes to ensure compliance with University regulations. Develop, document, and enforce financial policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all finance operations. Lead contract management and RFP processes for the Provost’s Office, including drafting and processing complex service agreements and professional services contracts, managing a centralized contract tracking system, and proactively monitoring renewal timelines and compliance requirements.

Provide direct and indirect supervision of staff and students across the finance and operations team; set expectations, assign and review work, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, conduct annual performance evaluations, and provide opportunities for professional development.

Provide support for faculty funds and personnel processes for faculty whose positions fall within the assigned administrative units, including advising on allowable spending of faculty and grant funds, managing funding programs, compensation, and related matters. Collaborate with Academic HR to develop timelines and processes for campus-wide faculty awards and programs. Provides support for Academic HR processes in collaboration with the Senior Finance and Operations Manager.

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, Academic Affairs, and University goals and objectives.

Works creatively, collaboratively, and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Represent the Provost’s Office as a trusted liaison to vendors, campus administrators,…