Mount Holyoke

Deputy Director and Head of Operations

Mount Holyoke College - Main Campus Full time

Job no:

R-0000002800

Position Title:

Deputy Director and Head of Operations

Faculty or Staff:

Staff

Full Time or Part Time:

Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:

Hybrid

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:

$102,192.00

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:

01/12/2026

Job Description:

Department Summary: The Alum Association of Mount Holyoke College is an alum-led organization that uplifts Mount Holyoke alums and builds community that fosters lifelong learning and empowers impactful connections amongst alums and with the College. Within Mount Holyoke, staff of the Association operate as the Alum Relations Office in the President’s Division.
Job Purpose: This vital leadership role serves as a key strategic and innovation partner to the Executive Director. With an entrepreneurial spirit, this position is responsible for operationalizing the Association’s vision in ways that are inclusive, sustainable, and scalable. The Deputy Director & Head of Operations drives operational excellence, manages critical projects, and provides high-level support to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. This role ensures the efficient, effective, and strategic delivery of the Association's priorities and fosters cross-departmental collaboration to meet bold engagement goals for a comprehensive capital campaign launching in fall 2026.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director, contributing to high-level organizational planning and decision-making.

  • Lead implementation of innovative concepts that align with the MHC Forward strategic plan, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.

  • Identify and execute operational improvements to optimize processes, resource use, and organizational efficiency.

  • Drive growth and momentum for the Association’s strategic priorities, including support for the College’s capital campaign.

  • Oversee and analyze organizational metrics, using data to anticipate alum needs and enhance engagement strategies.

  • Promote a welcoming and equitable environment, supporting the Alum Community Responsibility Guide and anti-racism initiatives.

  • Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives in partnership with the Executive Director, ensuring timely and budget-conscious execution.

  • Facilitate collaboration across College departments to align strategies and enhance the alum experience.

  • Provide leadership and communication support, including managing staff performance, preparing materials, and representing the Association on committees.

  • Support alum leaders and Board committees by coordinating meetings, preparing materials, and ensuring follow-up on action items.

SKILLS/ KNOWLEDGE/ CERTIFICATIONS:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree required; 2–3 years of progressively responsible experience in operations management or strategic support, ideally as a Chief of Staff or Deputy Director in a complex organization.
  • Proven ability to transform vision into action, lead change, simplify complex processes, and deliver results in fast-paced environments.
  • Demonstrated success in analyzing performance, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing high-impact initiatives to achieve ambitious goals.
  • Strong commitment to equity, belonging, and innovation, with the ability to build positive relationships across diverse constituencies.
  • xcellent written and verbal communication skills; high proficiency in Google Suite, presentation tools (e.g., Canva), CRM systems, project management software, and generative AI tools.
  • High integrity and discretion; able to handle sensitive information, work evenings/weekends, and travel as needed.

Preferred

  • Master's degree or other advanced/graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership).

    Background in higher education, non-profit management, or business operations.

Salary Range:  $102,192 - $117,503

Full Job Description

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

  • A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications

  • A complete resume or curriculum vitae

  • For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

​It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.