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Deputy Director for Operations

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline experience that directly relates to this position. For questions or accommodation requests, contact [email protected] .

Job Summary

The Deputy Director for Operations of the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is a senior leadership role and key strategic partner to the Museum Director, responsible for aligning the museum's operational and financial infrastructure with its ambitious artistic, educational, and civic mission. The Deputy Director for Operations oversees a broad portfolio-- including strategic finance, human resources, grants and research administration, facilities, and IT systems-- and plays a critical role in transforming creative vision into actionable and sustainable plans. At the time of hire, the Deputy Director for Operations will have supervisory responsibilities overseeing the Financial Specialist.

Serving as a vital collaborator to the Director and leadership team, the Deputy Director for Operations provides high-level guidance on multi-year planning, institutional growth strategies, and long-term resource development. With responsibility for UMMA's approximately $8 million budget, the Deputy Director for Operations leads strategic financial management, revenue modeling, and operational planning to support the museum's dynamic exhibitions, programs, and partnerships across campus and the community. The Deputy Director for Operations serves as the primary budget liaison to the UM Office of Budget and Planning and the Provost's Office.

A sophisticated communicator and translator of complex financial and administrative data, the Deputy Director for Operations helps internal and external stakeholders understand policy, make informed decisions, and stay aligned with institutional goals. The Deputy Director for Operations fosters a culture of collaboration, transparency, and operational excellence, and the ideal candidate brings a systems-thinking mindset, demonstrated experience in managing complex organizations, and a passion for enabling bold, mission-driven work through effective strategy and infrastructure. This is a pivotal leadership role that ensures UMMA's continued impact, resilience, and growth within one of the world's leading public research universities.

Finance and Budget Management

+ Advise and support the Museum Director and leadership team by preparing financial analyses, high-level reports, and executive summaries to inform strategic resource allocation.

+ Serve as primary liaison between UMMA and the Office of Budget and Planning and Provost's Office.

+ Lead the development and delivery of regular financial reporting, forecasting, and budget updates for museum leadership.

+ Partner with UMMA staff to provide financial guidance; serve as a key resource for operational teams and fundraising efforts.

+ Support the Development team in monitoring progress toward annual fundraising and campaign goals; provide financial analysis and planning expertise to align fundraising strategies with institutional priorities.

+ Monitor financial activity across all fund types-- including gifts, endowments, contracts, grants, and general funds-- to ensure appropriate stewardship.

+ Lead the annual budget lifecycle process in collaboration with the Director and senior leadership; ensure timely submission to the University's Office of Budget and Planning.

+ Oversee accounting and financial operations across all fund areas in compliance with GAAP, regulatory standards, and University policies.

+ Maintain a strong internal control environment and lead the annual internal control gap analysis and financial certification process.

+ Provide direct oversight of daily financial operations, including purchasing, journal entries, and transaction approvals.

+ Establish clear financial practices and communicate policy and process updates to staff.

+ Develop and maintain strong relationships with University finance offices including Purchasing, Treasury, Tax, Reporting, and the Controller.

+ Supervise and develop finance and operations staff.

Human Resources

+ Advise the Director and leadership team on all aspects of the employee life cycle, organizational design, and workplace culture.

+ Lead recruitment and retention strategy in alignment with UMMA's values and institutional goals.

+ Oversee day-to-day HR functions, including personnel planning, job descriptions, reporting structures, classification, compensation, performance management, and disciplinary processes.

+ Direct the development and continuous improvement of HR policies and procedures.

+ Serve as the primary liaison with University Human Resources, Academic HR (related to union compliance), the International Center, Payroll, and Benefits.

+ Design and implement training initiatives to support leadership development, employee growth, and competency-based learning.

Grants and Research Administration

+ Provide leadership and oversight for grant and research administration in partnership with the Financial Specialist and relevant program staff.

+ Ensure compliance with University and sponsor requirements; support effective financial planning and reporting for grants and research initiatives.

Facilities Management

+ Oversee planning, operations, and maintenance of UMMA's physical plant, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for staff and visitors.

+ Coordinate with University units on capital projects, maintenance, custodial services, and emergency preparedness.

+ Develop and implement protocols and policies for security, safety, and risk mitigation in alignment with institutional policies and museum best practices.

IT Systems

+ Provide strategic oversight of the museum's IT infrastructure, systems, and technology services.

+ Collaborate with University IT partners to ensure reliable service, data security, and user support.

+ Guide the implementation of digital tools that enhance staff efficiency, cross-functional collaboration, and visitor engagement.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) puts art and ideas at the center of campus and public life. We create experiences that enrich our understanding of one another, foster joy, and build a more just future. Through exhibitions, programs, research, and community partnerships we are redefining what a campus museum can be. Formally established in 1946, UMMA is always free and fully accessible, and serves as the primary site for engagement with visual art on the University of Michigan campus. The Museum's collection features over 21,000 objects and represents more than three millennia of global art-making. The Museum is proactively engaged with the most relevant social and cultural questions of our time-- researching its collection to recalibrate past practices with today's ethical standards, activating civic engagement and democracy, challenging conventions of encyclopedism, and acknowledging and confronting historic exclusion.

Required Qualifications*

+ Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Nonprofit Management-- or a related field or equivalent professional experience

+ 5+ years of experience overseeing financial policies, procedures, and systems

+ 5+ years of experience in human resources management

+ 3+ years in a strategic or leadership role advising senior leaders on resource planning and management

+ 2+ years of experience supervising professional staff

+ Proven ability to develop business processes and implement change management best practices

+ Expert-level proficiency in budgeting, financial reporting, and financial systems

+ Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB standards relevant to nonprofits or public institutions

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including advanced Excel functions), Google Workspace, and related collaboration tools

Work Locations

This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule after an initial orientation period. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change based on museum needs, throughout employment.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

263797

Working Title

Deputy Director for Operations

Job Title

Business Administrator Senior

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Acad & Fac Affairs

Department

Museum of Art

Posting Begin/End Date

5/19/2025 - 6/09/2025

Salary

$110,000.00 - $120,000.00

Career Interest

Administration