Deputy Director, Finance, Operations and Administration

ADMIN MGR 3 (000549)

UCPath Position ID: 40056691

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

4/19/2026 2:33:56 PM

Date Last Edited:

4/19/2026 2:33:52 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1210O

Organization:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

Division Code:

1211D

Division:

PUBLIC ARTS UNIT

Department:

047500 - HAMMER MUSEUM

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40056691

Position Description ID

230723

UC Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 3 (000549)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 28

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

B: Manager - Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40046322

Reports to Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR VII

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40046322

Department Head Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR VII

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

006242

SCRTY SUPV 2

1

000345

CONTRACT ADM 4

1

000390

FAC MGR 1

1

000530

INFO SYS SUPV 2

1

000212

FINANCIAL ANL MGR 1

1

000624

HR MGR 1

1

005039

SCRTY SUPV 1

5

005327

SCRTY GUARD

10

005194

FAC MGT SPEC 2

1

005113

CUSTODIAN LD

3

005116

CUSTODIAN SR

4

007345

EDUC TCHL SUPV 2

1

006145

THEATER PROD SPEC 3

3

007735

GEN ACCOUNTANT 3

2

007736

GEN ACCOUNTANT 2

1

007596

HR GENERALIST 3

1

007595

HR GENERALIST 2

1

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

THE HAMMER MUSEUM

As one of the three public arts institutions of the School of the Arts and Architecture at UCLA, The Hammer Museum is dedicated to championing artists and artwork that provoke new ways of seeing, spark imagination, and inspire social change. Through its bold exhibitions and thought-provoking programs, the museum creates opportunities for meaningful engagement with the most urgent cultural, political, and social issues of our time.

Established in 1990 by Dr. Armand Hammer to house his collection of European and 19th-century art, the museum entered a pivotal partnership with UCLA in 1994. This collaboration broadened its scope to include the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts and stewardship of the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden. In 2018, the Hammer announced a $180 million capital campaign to support an ambitious transformation plan for the museum’s spaces. The funds have been used to expand exhibition and public areas, and to increase the museum’s endowment. As a result of the campaign, the Hammer has significantly increased gallery space by adding 20,000 square feet of public space for programs, a works on paper study room, art storage, administrative offices, as well as the celebrated Alice Waters restaurant Lulu.

Situated in the heart of Los Angeles—one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally diverse cities—the Hammer Museum plays a pivotal role in the region’s creative ecosystem. Renowned for its commitment to free admission and inclusive programming, the Hammer serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, experimentation, and community engagement. Among its most celebrated initiatives is the Made in L.A. biennial, inaugurated in 2012 as the city’s first exhibition of its kind. Now in its seventh iteration, the biennial highlights emerging and under-recognized artists working across a wide range of media, reflecting the city’s distinctive, decentralized artistic landscape. Complementing this are the Hammer Projects Series and an ambitious slate of over 300 annual public programs—including lectures, symposia, film screenings, readings, and performances—that foster critical conversations and cultural exchange across disciplines such as art, politics, history, activism, the environment, music, and film.

The Hammer possesses world-class art holdings, including the growing Hammer Contemporary Collection, currently over 3,000 objects in all media, with a focus on works on paper and works by Southern California artists. Another ever-increasing collection is the UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, which has over 45,000 works on paper from the Renaissance to the present. The Hammer also has permanent collection galleries devoted to the Armand Hammer Collection and oversees the Murphy Sculpture Garden on the UCLA campus. The Hammer has 105 full-time staff and approximately 150 student employees, most of whom attend UCLA. The Hammer’s staff is lean, highly capable, and indispensable to its mission.

Visit the Hammer's website to learn more.

Museum Management

1. Works closely with and provides leadership and guidance to Museum Director on key administrative decisions and matters affecting Museum, including advising on compliance with policies and agreements, analyzing and evaluating administrative implications, and making decisions and recommendations in accordance with standard museum practice and applicable museum and other professional guidelines.

2. Negotiates on behalf of, represents, and makes decisions in the Museum's best interest in a broad range of business and other contractual arrangements both within the University and with external contacts.

3. Oversees Director, Legal Affairs in reviewing, evaluating, and maintaining Museum's risk management programs, including separate corporate Directors and Officers, Business Income, and fine art insurance policies. Also, in monitoring compliance with University and landlord insurance requirements, including insuring fine art collection at full appraised value of approximately $365 million.

4. Oversees Chief of HR in management of complex staffing structure including University and Museum policies and procedures, development and retention strategies, personnel actions, staffing requirements, internal communications, management and operational groups, and activities.

5. Oversees Director, Operations in management of complex facility (161,000 square feet of public exhibition and program space, retail and café space, public gathering space, administrative offices, storage, etc.) including lease compliance, general and museum-specific public use, office space allocations and improvements, museum-standard fine art collections storage, on and offsite fine art and other inventory storage, museum gallery and general public security, construction, renovation, and regular and deferred improvements and maintenance.

6. Oversees and makes decisions on development and implementation of capital projects, including negotiating and planning collaborative efforts.

7. Oversees Director of Facilities in management of facilities and operations independent from campus, including establishment of IT priorities, long-range IT planning, and evaluation of existing and potential new systems for general administration and accounting, fine art collections management, fundraising and membership, etc.

8. Oversees Associate Director, Security in management of security operations, including establishment of institutional security priorities, including fine art and building security, event and program security, and public and staff safety, and ensures that security operations support Strategic Plan goals and meet museum standards.

25%

Finance Administration

1. Provides leadership to and directs the fiscal operations of the Museum, including planning and overseeing the development of the institution's annual budget in excess of $27 million.

a. Analyzes both broad institutional and museum-specific goals and objectives with regard to exhibitions, education, public programming, communications, and fundraising.

b. Develops budgetary plans, determines fiscal priorities and restrictions.

c. Strategically develops budget projections and alternative budget scenarios based on complex analyses.

2. Provides leadership and guidance on long-term Museum management decisions regarding capital projects and asset management, including cost- benefit analysis, in accordance with applicable museum standards and guidelines.

3. As Assistant Treasurer of the Board of the Corporation, reports to and attends all Board of Directors, Audit Committee, Finance Committee, Investment Committee meetings, and Compensation Committee meetings.

4. Serves as liaison for financial affairs to external contacts including the Dean's Office, University department heads, senior University leadership, outside auditors, financial and banking institutions, and Board and Committee members.

20%

Accounting Administration

1. Oversees Finance Department in preparation and maintenance of Museum's financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and University policies and procedures in both the UC accounting system and the Museum's separate accounting systems.

2. Oversees the Director, Finance:

a. in the preparation of the Museum's annual federal and state corporate income tax returns; periodic financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows for separate 501 (c) 3 corporation; the Museum's quarterly reporting for sales and use tax, annual preparation and filing of forms 1099, preparation and filing of various forms for compliance with taxation of non- resident income tax withholding and reporting to various governmental agencies.

b. in the fiscal year-end closing for the University system as well as the separate systems of the Museum.

c. in monitoring contract and grant preparation, ensuring compliance with criteria of funding agencies, preparing financial information for grant applications and surveys, and supervising all aspects of contract, grant, and fund accounting.

d. in supervising all employment activities and monitoring all payroll transactions, accounts payable, and accounts receivable transactions, reviewing and authorizing invoices and contract payments, signing all bank drafts and checks, and reviewing receipts.

e. in accounting for Museum store and other retail activities, including cash and credit cards transactions and sales forecasts and analyses. f. in managing multiple complex revenue streams, including income from investments, contributions, grants, admissions, retail sales, memberships, and exhibitions.

3. Engages and supervises outside accounting firm in the annual audit of the Museum's financial activity, reviews and approves Museum's audited financial statements and presents same to Audit Committee of the Museum's Board.

15%

Endowment and Cash Management

1. Independently of the University, manages a portfolio of investments totaling approximately $125 million:

a. Develops Corporation's investment policy following good governance protocols in consultation with outside counsel, outside accounting firm and Investment Committee of the Corporation's Board.

b. Engages in periodic review of the investment policy for presentation to the Investment Committee.

c. Interviews and recommends investment managers and following selection by the Corporation's Board, negotiates terms of investment management agreement.

d. Plans for and executes periodic asset liquidation and redeployment including interviewing and recommending transition managers and following selection by Corporation's Board, negotiates terms of transition management agreements.

e. Develops appropriate trustee arrangements for the safeguarding of assets, engaging and managing trustees, and negotiating trustee agreements.

f. Manages the investment management, trustee and transition management relationships on an ongoing basis.

g. Monitors performance of the portfolio and report on these activities to the Corporation's Board.

h. Develops and recommends periodic payout rates to the Finance Committee of the Corporation's Board.

2. Manages the cash flow needs of the Museum:

a. Develops and implements a short and long term cash projection for the management of the endowment assets, current operating cash and other funds.

b. Interviews and selects banks for the various aspects of the Museum's business including demand deposit accounts, sweep accounts and money market accounts for the safekeeping of the operating and surplus cash.

c. Manages banking relationships and negotiates business banking terms.

d. Manages the Museum's line of credit and ensures compliance with all terms.

e. Maintains adequate cash balances to provide for the short and long term cash needs of the Museum including transferring sums between accounts, between institutions and to and from investment accounts.

15%

Governance and Legal

1. Retain outside counsel, negotiate engagement letters and terms and manage all work assigned to outside counsel.

2. In consultation with outside counsel and Director, Legal Affairs, oversees highly complex relationships and agreements governing Museum including: Basic and Operating agreements governing University's management of Museum; Lease Agreement governing use of the Museum facilities; Corporate By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation of the corporate entity which governs the Museum; and settlement agreement with foundation that was a former governing Member of the Museum.

3. Oversees outside counsel and Director, Legal Affairs in managing legal services for a broad range of institutional and Museum-specific activities, including drafting and negotiating agreements and governing documents, developing and reviewing legal communications, and resolving disputes.

4. Oversees Director, Legal Affairs in all regular and special business of the Board of Directors and committees of the Board, including official Board documents, meetings, and communications.

5. Consults with Museum Director and Chairman/President of the Board on Board and Committee membership, composition, and officers.

6. Oversees and directs Director, Legal Affairs in review, negotiation, and execution of all Museum contracts.

7. Liaison to Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs, campus counsel, and outside attorneys.

15%

Strategic Planning

1. Oversees development and implementation of institutional strategic and building plans.

2. Interview and recommend strategic planning consultants, negotiate agreements and manage deliverables for a many faceted multi-year strategic planning process.

3. Provide leadership and decision making with regard to comprehensive planning processes to develop integrated administrative, operational, and programmatic objectives appropriate to a museum in the form of a strategic plan.

4. As part of Senior Staff team, implements the strategic plan and prepares periodic reports to gauge progress toward strategic goals.

5. Periodically develops recommendations for refinement of overall strategic plan.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related area and / or equivalent combination of education and experience / training

Required

Master's Degree

Masters/MBA

Preferred

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF 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".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Non-University Setting(s)

Location:

Hammer Museum

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.