Haley Hamel is the director of business and operations and chief of staff at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, where she serves as a senior leader overseeing all non-academic college operations. Her responsibilities encompass budgeting, financial reporting and analysis, business operations, human resources, marketing and communications, student services, technology services, and facilities. Hamel works collaboratively with the college’s faculty and staff, as well as key partners across the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to support the college’s mission and vision.

Hamel develops and implements plans to support the college’s strategic objectives, managing a budget exceeding $6 million, preparing financial analyses, and supporting strategic hiring plans. She advises the dean and other college leaders on all non-academic operations, ensuring efficient processes.

Her operational oversight includes accounting, payroll, grant administration, and travel. She supervises a team of 13 FTEs, collaborates with other departments, reviews college contracts for compliance, and oversees college facilities.

In marketing and communication, Hamel ensures the identification of key audiences, creation of targeted messages, maintenance of the college and university’s brand, development of promotional materials, and implementation of an undergraduate recruiting plan.

Hamel oversees human resources operations, managing recruiting, hiring, performance management, and compliance for over 140 faculty, staff, and student assistants. She aligns technology with curriculum needs and oversees technology operations, including television studios, a radio station, and an equipment checkout room.

In addition, Hamel works with the associate dean for academic programs to oversee student services, including undergraduate and graduate academic advising and career services, supporting the college's goals for recruitment, retention, and graduation.

As a member of the College’s Senior Administrative Team, Hamel works closely with the dean and other university leaders on strategic matters. She represents the College as Chief Academic Business Officer (CABO) and participates in relevant committees and initiatives at UNL.

Hamel joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2013 as a business and operations manager. She co-founded the Big Red Business Center in 2020 and received the 2020 Nancy Kenney Academic Business Leader Award. Prior to her roles at UNL, she served as the scheduler and office manager for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson.

Hamel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.