Director, Weissman Center for Leadership

Mount Holyoke College seeks a visionary, engaged, and intellectually grounded leader to serve as Director of the Weissman Center for Leadership (WCL)—one of the College's most visible and mission-critical academic centers. Reporting to the Provost, the Director will provide strategic leadership and direction for a nationally recognized center dedicated to leadership development, public service, civic engagement, and social impact. About the Weissman Center for Leadership Established in 1999, the Weissman Center for Leadership prepares students, faculty, and staff to make meaningful social change through civic engagement, experiential learning, and public service. The Center oversees an integrated portfolio of programs, including Community Engagement, Leadership and Public Service, and Speaking, Arguing, and Writing, and plays a central role in embedding leadership development into the academic and co-curricular life of the College. The next Director will build on the Center's strong foundation to articulate a cohesive and galvanizing vision that elevates the Weissman Center's national profile as an incubator of leadership theory, practice, and practitioners. Position Summary As a senior academic and administrative leader, the Director advances a clear and compelling vision for the Center, strengthening its reach, impact, and visibility. The role oversees a diverse portfolio of programs; supervises and mentors a multidisciplinary team of professional staff, faculty directors, and student employees; and maintains significant hands-on engagement with students. The Director will expand high-impact opportunities for students—particularly in leadership development, public service, internships, experiential learning, and civic engagement—while ensuring programs remain inclusive, rigorous, and closely aligned with Mount Holyoke's academic mission. The role includes strategic planning, budget oversight, partnership-building, and active engagement in donor stewardship and external relations. Depending on credentials, the Director may also hold a faculty appointment. Key Responsibilities Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Weissman Center, advancing a bold and cohesive vision aligned with Mount Holyoke's mission. Elevate the Center's national profile through innovative programming, public service initiatives, convenings, speakers, and external partnerships. Leverage professional and civic networks to expand opportunities for students and enhance institutional prominence. Strengthen and integrate student-facing opportunities in leadership development, experiential learning, internships, and public service. Lead and support a collaborative, student-centered team culture across staff, faculty, and student employees. Manage a complex budget and operational structure and oversee one of the College's largest student employment operations. Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumnae, and partners in collaboration with College Relations and Development. Serve as a visible ambassador for the Center and the College at the regional and national levels. Ideal Experience and Capabilities Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education, public service, government, nonprofit, or mission-aligned organizations, with responsibility for complex programs, people, and resources. Academic credentials consistent with faculty standards, including a terminal degree in a relevant field. A genuine interest in and aptitude for working closely with students, using a mentorship-oriented and inclusive approach. A strong understanding of leadership development, experiential learning, and pathways into public service, civic engagement, or social impact. Established credibility and networks in public life, policy, advocacy, government, or adjacent fields, with the ability to translate those relationships into meaningful opportunities for students. Proven ability to elevate organizational visibility, build partnerships, and represent an institution with national audiences and stakeholders. A collaborative leadership style, with a track record of building trust, aligning diverse constituencies, and fostering strong, values-driven teams. Comfort balancing strategic vision with operational execution, including budgeting, staffing, and organizational planning. Interest and ability to engage in the intellectual and academic life of the institution through teaching, guest lecturing, or other scholarly contributions. Strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and resilience in navigating complexity and institutional change. The Search Process Mount Holyoke College has retained Spencer Stuart to support this search. Candidates wishing to apply or nominate someone for the role should submit materials by email to: MountHolyokeCenterDr@SpencerStuart.com