Hobart and William Smith Colleges · 20 hours ago
Executive Director of the Melly Institute for Business, Innovation and Leadership
Geneva, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$80K/yr - $90K/yr
7+ years expHobart and William Smith Colleges is seeking an Executive Director for the Melly Institute, a new initiative aimed at preparing students for successful careers through skill development and professional readiness. The Executive Director will lead the creation of programs, manage pre-professional clubs, and engage with industry leaders to enhance student opportunities.
Higher Education
Hiring Manager
Natalia St.Lawrence
Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership in establishing and growing the Melly Institute as a hub for professional and technical skill development
Design and implement a comprehensive skill development menu that includes workshops, certifications, applied learning experiences, and badging opportunities aligned with high-demand industry needs
Evaluate and adopt platforms, technologies, and partnerships that enhance students’ access to skill-based learning opportunities
Develop metrics and assessment tools to measure program participation, impact, and outcomes
Coordinate outcomes opportunities with leadership of the Salisbury Center for Career Services, Centennial Center for Leadership and the Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship
Oversee and support a portfolio of student-led pre-professional clubs (e.g., Investment, Real Estate, AI, Marketing & Advertising) to ensure alignment with institutional standards and career development outcomes
Provide mentorship, structure, and logistical support to student leaders, facilitating collaboration with faculty advisors and alumni mentors
Integrate club activities with skill development programming and career services related employer engagement opportunities
Develop and coordinate the •Executives in Residence• program, inviting distinguished alumni, parents and and industry professionals to engage with students through lectures, panels, and one-on-one mentoring (both in-person and virtual)
Curate topics and themes that align with current industry trends and student interests across a range of fields
Collaborate with Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Career Services to identify, invite, and steward participants
Oversee event logistics, marketing, and communication to maximize student participation and impact
Partner with Career Services, faculty, and academic departments to integrate Melly Institute programming into the curriculum and co-curricular offerings
Build relationships with alumni, trustees, and employers to develop opportunities for student engagement, sponsorships, and experiential learning
Serve as a visible campus leader and advocate for technical skill development and professional preparedness
Manage Institute operations, including budget oversight, staff supervision, and resource allocation
Supervise professional staff, graduate assistant, and student Melly Fellows supporting Institute programs and events
Prepare annual reports, assessment data, and presentations for institutional leadership and external stakeholders
Qualification
Required
Bachelors degree with experience in business, organizational leadership, or related field
7+ years of progressive experience in higher education, corporate training, workforce development, or career services
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing skill-based or professional development programs
Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
Proven ability to collaborate across academic and administrative units
Preferred
Experience engaging alumni or external partners in educational programming
Familiarity with liberal arts environments and experiential learning models
Strong organizational and event management skills, including experience with virtual and hybrid program delivery
Supervisory and budget management experience
Benefits
Full-time 12-month, benefits-eligible position
Company
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Hobart and William Smith Colleges is a school in Geneva, NY.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Stephen Caraher
Vice President For Advancement
Recent News
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