Head of Finance - UMS TRANSFORMS

Full-time, Regular, Exempt Position

The University of Maine System is accepting applications for Head of Finance - UMS TRANSFORMS. This position leads the financial administration of the $508M initiative: Revitalizing the University of Maine System: UMS TRANSFORMS driven by the Harold Alfond Foundation’s historic investment of $320M in the University of Maine System to bring transformative change to the state’s largest educational, research, innovation, and talent development asset. The grant represents a strategic long-term effort to strengthen the capacity of Maine’s public universities to meet the state’s most pressing higher education, workforce, and economic needs. The Head of Finance will work under the direction of the project director of UMS TRANSFORMS and in close consultation with the vice chancellor of finance and administration, co-principal investigators, initiative leads, and the chief business officers of universities system wide.

The person who fills this position can work at the Maine Center in Portland, on the Orono campus of the University of Maine, or at the University of Maine at Augusta. For the right candidate, a hybrid schedule will be considered.

The annual salary range is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications plus a 10% employer contribution to the UMS retirement plan. Additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, and tuition waiver programs for employees and dependents. The UMS is a recipient of the Wellness Councils of America’s Well Workplace Award and offers a wellness program.

Review of applications begins immediately. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by July 19, 2024.

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System (UMS) unites seven distinctive public universities and the University of Maine School of Law, comprising 10 campuses and numerous centers, in the common purpose of providing quality higher education while delivering on its traditional tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service.

A comprehensive public institution of higher education, UMS serves more than 30,000 students annually and is supported by the efforts of more than 2,000 full-time and part-time faculty, more than 3,000 regular full-time and part-time staff, and a complement of part-time temporary (adjunct) faculty.

Reaching more than 500,000 people annually through educational and cultural offerings, the University of Maine System also benefits from more than two-thirds of its alumni population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals.

The System consists of seven universities: The University of Maine (UMaine), including its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMM); the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA); the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF); the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI); and the University of Southern Maine (USM). The System also includes the University of Maine School of Law and the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, budget, finance, or equivalent field; at least 5 years of experience in a fund-accounting environment with relevant, progressive administrative experience, preferably in a college or university setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• In-depth knowledge of financial planning, general accounting, and budget management principles and practices related to government and/or educational institutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal credibly and effectively with senior institutional leadership and a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skill in integrating institutional budget processes with the grant’s overall mission, objectives, and strategic priorities.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarize and present information.
• Skill in the use of software to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons, impacts, and/or projections.
• Excellent written, oral, and electronic communication skills.
• Proficiency in compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting complex annual financial reports, statements, and/or projections.
• Ability to foster a cooperative environment and work collegially with peers in other organizational units system wide.

Preferred:

• Direct working knowledge of and experience with the University of Maine System.
• Experience working on large-scale, complex, federal, or foundation grants.
• Knowledge of institutional and audit requirements for the provision of financial information.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Federal and State financial laws, regulations, and operating guidelines as they pertain to public institutions of higher education.

1) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2) a resume/curriculum vitae

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).