Deputy Director Fine Arts Center (Hybrid Opportunity)

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

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

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

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Work Schedule

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.