Cortney Kelly

About Cortney Kelly

I’m passionate about building academic communities and operational systems that help faculty, students, and staff feel connected, supported, and able to thrive.I’m a higher education operations and engagement leader with 7+ years of experience supporting faculty development, student success, and academic administration within complex institutions. I’m drawn to work that translates institutional priorities into thoughtful programs, clear processes, and well-executed experiences that strengthen community and advance mission.I’m known for leading high-impact programs and events, strengthening communication channels, and supporting responsible budget and team management so academic leaders and educators can focus on teaching, scholarship, and student growth. My work has included overseeing college-wide faculty engagement initiatives, managing undergraduate and honors program operations, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and developing strategic communications that increase participation and visibility across campus.Collaboration and inclusion are foundational to how I work. I regularly partner across departments and roles to align priorities, navigate change, and ensure programs and processes reflect care, accessibility, and shared ownership. Colleagues often describe me as organized, thoughtful, steady under pressure, and someone who brings clarity and follow-through to complex initiatives.I bring a people-centered approach, strong project management skills, and an appreciation for storytelling and relationship-building to my work, and I’m especially energized by roles that sit at the intersection of operations, engagement, and institutional culture.

Experience

1. Director, Operations & Engagement, College of Arts & Sciences

   Suffolk University

   Jan 2025 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Set the strategic vision for faculty engagement and recognition, leading College-wide initiatives such as faculty retreats, promotion and retirement ceremonies, and research showcases that elevated faculty visibility, professional connection, and institutional culture.Owned College-level communications and storytelling, establishing new faculty communication channels, managing newsletters, reports, and digital content, and launching the College’s LinkedIn and Instagram presence to strengthen engagement with faculty, students, alumni, and external audiences.Led and developed a multidisciplinary team, supervising 2 professional staff and 20–25 student employees, setting priorities, delegating complex workstreams, and cultivating a collaborative, accountable team environment.Served as a central partner for institutional initiatives, coordinating the Dean’s Office role in major university events and collaborating with Public Affairs and Marketing & Communications to amplify College priorities and community successes across university platforms.

Education

• Suffolk University

  Master of Education - MEd, Administration in Higher Education

  2018 — 2021

• Suffolk University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Public Relations and History

  2013 — 2017