Business Manager - MassAITC (Hybrid)

Apply now Job no:522485
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Computer Science
Union: PSU
Categories:Accounting/Finance/Budget, PSU A

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.

About MassAITC  

The Massachusetts AI and Technology Center for Connected Care in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (MassAITC) is a multidisciplinary NIH P30 Center spanning five sites – the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brandeis University and Northeastern University. The Center aims to foster interdisciplinary research on the development, validation and translation of emerging AI-enhanced technologies to enhance connections between older adults, caregivers, and clinicians in order to more effectively support healthy aging as well as the care of patients with AD/ADRD at home. The MassAITC is funded by a $20 million, five-year award from the National Institutes of Aging. 

Job Summary

The MassAITC Business Manager manages business and fiscal operations for academic, research, and outreach activities in a large and complex University research center. They work independently with authority to exercise judgment and initiative. The Business Manager performs strategic analyses and financial forecasts to inform Center business decisions and implements business, financial, and operational policies consistent with MassAITC and overarching College and University policies. 

This position offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of researchers, practitioners and other experts working together at the cutting edge of the integration of AI and other forms of emerging technology to improve the lives of older adults, caregivers, and people living with dementia. The work of MassAITC reaches beyond the walls of the University by collaborating with numerous diverse stakeholders, including the private sector.

Essential Functions

• Analyzes, forecasts, and negotiates funding for MassAITC pilots, making recommendations for short and long-term planning that supports Center operations and goals. Serves as a resource and advisor on various fiscal matters.
• Supports MassAITC pilot financial responsibilities, in coordination with the grants administration office and Center leadership, including routine monitoring of pilot accounts, oversight of agreements, and transactions with outside academic institutions and industry partners.
• Manages the complete range of fiscal activity related to sponsored research including preparation of budget proposals and justifications, final grant compilation and preparation, and proposal submission in adherence to sponsor mandated financial regulations. Serves as a liaison between Principal Investigators, the Office of Grants & Contracts (OGCA), and sponsors. 
• Assists PIs with authorized expenditures to complete sponsored research projects. Manages financial operations including annual program statement and operating budget, projection of revenue and expenses, and preparation and submission of recharge revenue. Ensures that accurate records of University purchased equipment are maintained.
• Assists with various National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant processes, including conversion of applications to NIH format and grant reporting. 
• Ensures compliance with university policies and procedures surrounding online purchasing, BankCard, travel program, etc. Represents the Center at College business manager meetings and at executive meetings with departments and divisions across campus. Liaises with Procurement, the Controller's Office, and outside agencies. 
• Supports administrative activities such as tracking interactions with pilot grant applicants and awardees, maintaining calendars, scheduling meetings, and managing group events.
• Assists with the day-to-day activities and the overall workflow of the project in coordination with the Center leadership team.
• Works independently and within teams on special projects as needed.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree and more than three (3) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of financial management principles. Demonstrated ability to forecast future budget needs, create annual Center budgets, and prepare periodic reports.
• Ability to understand and apply university policies and procedures, as well as the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, sub-awards, and subcontracts.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off-campus constituents. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence. 
• Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance. 
• Willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the Center. The ability to adapt and work effectively as the Center grows.
• Strong organizational skills and strict attention to detail with the ability to prioritize work and complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects. Ability to work well under pressure. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. 
• Strong computer skills including experience with:
  • Calendar systems such as Outlook or Google.
  • Word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
  • Spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
  • Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

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

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field.
• Experience with National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant management and oversight of contracts.
• Experience working with academic medical research or public health projects.
• Experience using higher education administration software such as Kuali.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Additional Details

This is a grant-funded position with an initial appointment of two years. Reappointment will be contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

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

PSU Level 26.

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.

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.

Advertised:Feb 20 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:May 20 2024 Eastern Daylight Time