Job Description

The Executive Director of the Melly Institute will provide visionary leadership for a new, mission-driven initiative designed to enhance Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers through technical skill development, professional readiness, and alumni engagement.

The Executive Director will oversee the creation and delivery of technical skill development programs, manage pre-professional clubs, and design and facilitate the Executives in Residence program, connecting students with industry leaders through both on-campus and virtual engagements. The position will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, alumni, parents and employers to ensure that Melly Institute programming supports academic learning, strengthens career outcomes, and aligns with institutional priorities. The Executive Director will report to the Associate Vice President for Outcomes and the Melly Institute

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Development

• 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.

Pre-Professional Clubs Management and Support

• 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.

Executives in Residence Program

• 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.

Collaboration and Campus Engagement

• 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.

Administration and Supervision

• 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.

Other Information:

This is a full-time 12-month, benefits-eligible position. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year, with a possible shortened workweek during the scheduled summer hours time period. Salary range is $80,000 - $90,000 annually.

Qualifications

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.

About HWS

A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.

Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Colleges are an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law.