Deputy Director, Finance, Operations and Administration

Department Summary THE HAMMER MUSEUM Position Summary THE SEARCH The Hammer is anchored by the transformative power of art and ideas to illuminate lives and contribute to a more just world. As an institution, it champions artists who challenge perceptions, spark imagination, and offer fresh perspectives on the world around us. Art not only provides aesthetic experiences but also offers profound insight into today's most urgent cultural, political, and social issues. As a vibrant hub of intellectual and creative activity, the Hammer thrives on dynamic exhibitions and public programs—including lectures, symposia, film screenings, readings, and musical performances— that foster meaningful encounters with artistic expression. In partnership with the museum Director, the Deputy Director, Finance, Operations & Administration will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the most influential contemporary art institutions in the country. Working closely with senior leadership, the Deputy Director will ensure the Museum's fiscal strength, operational excellence, and governance effectiveness while advancing the institution's mission, public service, and academic partnership with UCLA. LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE Zoë Ryan was appointed Director of the Hammer Museum in January 2025. Ryan previously served as the Daniel W. Dietrich II Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania, where she led strategic initiatives that deepened community partnerships and championed experimental programming. Her leadership is marked by a dedication to collaboration, innovation, and equity—values she also advanced during her tenure at the Art Institute of Chicago as Chair and Curator of Architecture and Design. Ryan's appointment signals a new chapter for the Hammer, building on its legacy as a dynamic force in contemporary art and civic dialogue. The Board of Directors currently consists of 21 individuals with a spectrum of experience, including UCLA's Chancellor and other senior administrators, as well as artists, collectors, and business and civic leaders. A 37-member national Board of Advisors supports the acquisition and collection-related affairs of the museum. The Hammer's annual operating budget is approximately $29M, and its endowment is approximately $125M. A majority of the Hammer's annual budget comes from fundraising, which is bolstered by generous major gifts, multi-level membership and donor groups, and institutional support. The remainder of the budget is funded by an endowment draw, an annual contribution from UCLA, an annual Gala, and various earned revenue sources. In 1994, the Hammer signed a 99-year rent-free operating agreement with the Regents of the University of California to manage the museum. The museum pays its own operating expenses. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, FINANCE, OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION POSITION The Deputy Director, Finance, Operations & Administration, serves as the Museum's chief operating and financial officer and provides leadership across finance, administration, human resources, facilities & capital projects, IT, security, legal affairs. Overseeing approximately 45 staff and multiple senior managers, the Deputy Director leads institutional operations, and directs complex organizational systems that support exhibitions, programs, and public engagement. The position also manages the Museum's fiscal responsibilities, including audit oversight, regulatory reporting, and investment portfolio stewardship. THE TEAM Reporting to the museum Director, the Deputy Director will set a museum-wide financial strategy with alignment with broader institutional goals. The Deputy Director supervises senior leaders across finance, HR, operations, security, IT, and facilities, fostering an integrate administrative infrastructure that supports the Museum's mission and strategic plan. FINANCE, OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP - Direct fiscal operations, budgeting, and financial forecasting. - Develop financial strategies and alternative planning scenarios. - Oversee accounting, audit, tax filings, and compliance reporting. - Manage banking relationships, cash flow, and credit facilities. - Supervise facilities operations, security, IT infrastructure, and retail operations. - Lead capital projects and operational planning initiatives. GOVERNANCE, RISK & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT - Serve as Officer of the nonprofit corporation and liaison to Board committees. - Manage investment portfolio strategy and performance oversight. - Oversee legal affairs, contracts, and insurance programs. - Ensure compliance with university and nonprofit governance standards. STRATEGIC PLANNING & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIP - Advise the Director on institutional planning and policy decisions. - Align administrative infrastructure with programmatic priorities. - Support multi-year strategic and capital initiatives. - Build partnerships across university and external constituents. QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred - Minimum 15 years senior leadership experience in directing finance, administration, human resources, legal and governance, risk management, security, and operations. - Expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and GAAP accounting. - Ability to resolve complex problems, disputes, and the conflicting needs of a collecting, visual art museum, as well as those of a separate 501 (c)3 that is managed by the University. - Non-profit experience strongly preferred and/or knowledge of the business, operational, and financial standards and practices of a museum. - Experience working with a complex governing structure and Board committees. - Strong strategic, organizational, and problem-solving skills Salary & Compensation *UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits. Qualifications 15+ years Significant and demonstrated financial, administrative, and operational leadership experience at a senior management level (Required) 15+ years Significant experience and proven skill in managing and successfully implementing integrated services of a multifaceted organization within a highly complex environment (Required) Extensive experience with budget and financial analysis and knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices generally accepted accounting practices. (Required) Demonstrated skill and experience in directing information technology, human resources, contract administration, governance, risk management, operations, and security. (Required) Expertise in organizational planning, project management, and supervision of professional staff. (Required) Ability to resolve complex problems, disputes, and the conflicting needs of a collecting, visual art museum, as well as those of a separate 501 (c)3 that is managed by the University. (Required) Non-profit experience strongly preferred and/or knowledge of the business, operational, and financial standards and practices of a museum (Preferred) Knowledge of complex museum programming and operations, including exhibitions, publications, care of collections, education, public programs, fundraising, and communications; Strategic planning experience. (Preferred) Experience working with a complex governing structure and Board committees. (Preferred) Highly developed leadership, political, entrepreneurial, decision-making, and management skills. (Preferred) Skill in integrating activities of Museum with teaching, research, and public service missions of the University. (Preferred) Ability to forge and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of representatives of public and private organizations, Board members, vendors, Museum staff. (Preferred) Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent combination of education and experience / training (Required) Master's Degree Masters/MBA (Preferred) Special Conditions for Employment Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment. CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA . The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse". Schedule 9:30am - 6:30pm Union/Policy Covered 99-Policy Covered Complete Position Description https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Administrative%20Manager%203%20(40056691) THE SEARCH The Hammer is anchored by the transformative power of art and ideas to illuminate lives and contribute to a more just world. As an institution, it champions artists who challenge perceptions, spark imagination, and offer fresh perspectives on the world around us. Art not only provides aesthetic experiences but also offers profound insight into today's most urgent cultural, political, and social issues. As a vibrant hub of intellectual and creative activity, the Hammer thrives on dynamic exhibitions and public programs-including lectures, symposia, film screenings, readings, and musical performances- that foster meaningful encounters with artistic expression. In partnership with the museum Director, the Deputy Director, Finance, Operations & Administration will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the most influential contemporary art institutions in the country. Working closely with senior leadership, the Deputy Director will ensure the Museum's fiscal strength, operational excellence, and governance effectiveness while advancing the institution's mission, public service, and academic partnership with UCLA. LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE Zoë Ryan was appointed Director of the Hammer Museum in January 2025. Ryan previously served as the Daniel W. Dietrich II Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania, where she led strategic initiatives that deepened community partnerships and championed experimental programming. Her leadership is marked by a dedication to collaboration, innovation, and equity-values she also advanced during her tenure at the Art Institute of Chicago as Chair and Curator of Architecture and Design. Ryan's appointment signals a new chapter for the Hammer, building on its legacy as a dynamic force in contemporary art and civic dialogue. The Board of Directors currently consists of 21 individuals with a spectrum of experience, including UCLA's Chancellor and other senior administrators, as well as artists, collectors, and business and civic leaders. A 37-member national Board of Advisors supports the acquisition and collection-related affairs of the museum. The Hammer's annual operating budget is approximately $29M, and its endowment is approximately $125M. A majority of the Hammer's annual budget comes from fundraising, which is bolstered by generous major gifts, multi-level membership and donor groups, and institutional support. The remainder of the budget is funded by an endowment draw, an annual contribution from UCLA, an annual Gala, and various earned revenue sources. In 1994, the Hammer signed a 99-year rent-free operating agreement with the Regents of the University of California to manage the museum. The museum pays its own operating expenses. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, FINANCE, OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION POSITION The Deputy Director, Finance, Operations & Administration, serves as the Museum's chief operating and financial officer and provides leadership across finance, administration, human resources, facilities & capital projects, IT, security, legal affairs. Overseeing approximately 45 staff and multiple senior managers, the Deputy Director leads institutional operations, and directs complex organizational systems that support exhibitions, programs, and public engagement. The position also manages the Museum's fiscal responsibilities, including audit oversight, regulatory reporting, and investment portfolio stewardship. THE TEAM Reporting to the museum Director, the Deputy Director will set a museum-wide financial strategy with alignment with broader institutional goals. The Deputy Director supervises senior leaders across finance, HR, operations, security, IT, and facilities, fostering an integrate administrative infrastructure that supports the Museum's mission and strategic plan. FINANCE, OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP - Direct fiscal operations, budgeting, and financial forecasting. - Develop financial strategies and alternative planning scenarios. - Oversee accounting, audit, tax filings, and compliance reporting. - Manage banking relationships, cash flow, and credit facilities. - Supervise facilities operations, security, IT infrastructure, and retail operations. - Lead capital projects and operational planning initiatives. GOVERNANCE, RISK & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT - Serve as Officer of the nonprofit corporation and liaison to Board committees. - Manage investment portfolio strategy and performance oversight. - Oversee legal affairs, contracts, and insurance programs. - Ensure compliance with university and nonprofit governance standards. STRATEGIC PLANNING & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIP - Advise the Director on institutional planning and policy decisions. - Align administrative infrastructure with programmatic priorities. - Support multi-year strategic and capital initiatives. - Build partnerships across university and external constituents. QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred - Minimum 15 years senior leadership experience in directing finance, administration, human resources, legal and governance, risk management, security, and operations. - Expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and GAAP accounting. - Ability to resolve complex problems, disputes, and the conflicting needs of a collecting, visual art museum, as well as those of a separate 501 (c)3 that is managed by the University. - Non-profit experience strongly preferred and/or knowledge of the business, operational, and financial standards and practices of a museum. - Experience working with a complex governing structure and Board committees. - Strong strategic, organizational, and problem-solving skills 15+ years Significant and demonstrated financial, administrative, and operational leadership experience at a senior management level (Required) 15+ years Significant experience and proven skill in managing and successfully implementing integrated services of a multifaceted organization within a highly complex environment (Required) Extensive experience with budget and financial analysis and knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices generally accepted accounting practices. (Required) Demonstrated skill and experience in directing information technology, human resources, contract administration, governance, risk management, operations, and security. (Required) Expertise in organizational planning, project management, and supervision of professional staff. (Required) Ability to resolve complex problems, disputes, and the conflicting needs of a collecting, visual art museum, as well as those of a separate 501 (c)3 that is managed by the University. (Required) Non-profit experience strongly preferred and/or knowledge of the business, operational, and financial standards and practices of a museum (Preferred) Knowledge of complex museum programming and operations, including exhibitions, publications, care of collections, education, public programs, fundraising, and communications; Strategic planning experience. (Preferred) Experience working with a complex governing structure and Board committees. (Preferred) Highly developed leadership, political, entrepreneurial, decision-making, and management skills. (Preferred) Skill in integrating activities of Museum with teaching, research, and public service missions of the University. (Preferred) Ability to forge and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of representatives of public and private organizations, Board members, vendors, Museum staff. (Preferred)