Executive Director, Core Facilities Strategy

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Executive Director for Centralized Core Facilities within the Institute for Applied Life Sciences in Amherst. This role provides strategic, administrative, fiscal, and operational leadership to ensure sustainable, high‑impact core services.

The Executive Director leads Core Directors and ensures alignment with institutional priorities, while driving strategic planning, budgeting, equipment lifecycle management, grant activity, and cross‑campus

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, engineering, or science‑related field.
• Five years of experience in an academic or industry setting with knowledge of core facility landscape, business strategy, operations, and marketing services.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Proven executive leadership experience with high‑performing teams.
• Strong strategic and analytical mindset for financial/operational planning.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and institutional level accountability for centralized Core Facilities, aligning with institutional priorities.
• Directs and evaluates Core Directors and Managers to ensure effective leadership across Core Facilities.
• Provides strategic financial leadership and long‑range planning for Core Facilities in coordination with the Finance & Operations Director.
• Oversees equipment planning, lifecycle management, and budgeting for core facilities.
• Supports grant applications and contributes to space, staffing, and revenue planning for Core Facilities.
• Develops and standardizes portfolio‑wide financial and impact metrics, dashboards, and reports for senior leadership.
• Oversees space and infrastructure planning and emergency preparedness for Core Facilities.
• Guides service contracts budgeting and procurement in collaboration with finance leadership.
• Contributes to marketing plans and stakeholder communications to promote Core Facilities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Effective communication

Education

Master’s degree in business, engineering, or science-related field

PhD in business, engineering, or science-related field (preferred)

Job description

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Executive Director for Centralized Core Facilities within the Institute for Applied Life Sciences in Amherst. This role provides strategic, administrative, fiscal, and operational leadership to ensure sustainable, high‑impact core services.

The Executive Director leads Core Directors and ensures alignment with institutional priorities, while driving strategic planning, budgeting, equipment lifecycle management, grant activity, and cross‑campus