Executive Director at Oregon Hillel

Executive Director

Oregon Hillel

Role Overview

Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, in Eugene, Oregon, Oregon Hillel is the catalyst for connecting students, building community, and inspiring leadership through Jewish values at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. Oregon Hillel is a student-centric organization serving approximately 3,000 Jewish students, focused on building relationships with students in an open and accepting pluralistic environment.  We create a culture of quality, transparency, and respect that empowers students to incubate and actualize their ideas and interests, expand and diversify their social networks, access valuable opportunities for professional growth, and build a Jewish community that is relevant and exciting to their personal development. 

The Executive Director will maintain and develop the resources necessary to increase the breadth and depth of student engagement to ensure that all students are empowered to create a Jewish community that is meaningful to them, regardless of background or faith.  The ideal candidate will passionately support and engage students, lead an excellent and effective team, collaboratively set and implement strategic vision, develop human and financial resources, maintain strong relationships with campus administrators and leaders, and model an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel for students. 

 What you’ll do:

Strategy and Vision: 

• Inspire and support pluralistic, diverse, and vibrant Jewish life on campus that complements students’ other priorities during their college experience. 
• Manage crises in real-time with an understanding of how any engagement aligns with Oregon Hillel’s goals and mission.  
• Build relationships with board members and help ensure all board members are engaged and educated in Oregon Hillel’s mission and values. 
• Support and implement the board’s vision and strategic plan. 

Fundraising and Financial Management: 

• Develop Oregon Hillel’s financial resources commensurate with the organization’s programming and growth. 
• Develop and implement a robust, multi-faceted annual development plan, including stewardship of gifts and donor relations. 
• Engage directly with donors and secure gifts at all levels of giving.
• Personally engage in donor solicitation and stewardship and manage the relationships with granting organizations and foundations. 
• Ensure the fiscal integrity of Oregon Hillel, including compliance, accurate and timely submission of a proposed annual budget, and financial statements to the treasurer, finance committee, and the board. 
• Manage Oregon Hillel’s financial resources responsibly, operating within the approved budget, maximizing resource utilization, maintaining reserves as required by board policy, and coordinating with accountants, auditors, and financial institutions as appropriate. 

Staff Supervision and Development: 

• Inspire, develop, supervise, and mentor a professional staff team that delivers on a vision of pluralism, inclusivity, and student leadership development. 
• Foster a positive work environment, delegate effectively, and support staff in work assignments and priorities. 
• Serve as a mentor to staff, dedicating time to work closely with each staff member on professional development and growth. 
• Collaborate with the board’s personnel committee, develop, review, and implement a staffing plan that provides adequate and appropriate support on each campus to further Oregon Hillel’s work. 

Stakeholder and External Relations: 

• Cultivate strong relationships with all stakeholders, including students and parents, university leaders, Jewish community leaders and members, donors, alumni, and others.
• Serve as Oregon Hillel’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, university leaders, and the public, engaging all in the importance of Hillel’s mission and purpose.
• Help to create a culture of shared responsibility and engagement among board members. 

Operations and Facilities Management: 

• Oversee all facility operations, including preventive maintenance, repairs, improvements, and renovations. 
• Ensure the security of all facilities and their occupants through coordination with law enforcement agencies and community security experts. 
• Negotiate and manage all contracts with grantors, service providers, and vendors within the limits set by board policy. 

Student Engagement: 

• Oversee a robust student engagement strategy that allows students to incubate and actualize their ideas and interests and encourages them to be a part of the Jewish community on campus.  
• Recognize and adapt to the unique and changing needs, interests, and passions of Jewish students on our campuses, given changing campus climates and issues related to exploring Jewish identity. 
• Ensure Oregon Hillel is a safe place for students that provides students with the tools to address any antisemitic activity on campus. 
• Partner with other campus organizations to further engage students across various programs and platforms. 
• Ensure the organization embraces appreciation and understanding for all expressions of Jewish religious practice regardless of personal beliefs. 

Additional Position Details:

In this role, the Executive Director will support two college campus Hillel organizations and be required to provide on-the-ground support at both Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR) and University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) campuses. The Executive Director will make Eugene, OR, their permanent residence and travel weekly and as needed to Corvallis, OR, to provide leadership and support to our Hillel staff at Oregon State University. 

In this role, our Executive Director could also act as a Rabbi for our multi-campus Hillel - candidates applying who also hold Rabbinical ordination will be given consideration for this additional area of responsibility.

What you’ll bring:

• Minimum of eight years of professional experience, with at least three years in a leadership role in a Jewish or secular nonprofit, higher education, or related organization.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Proven success in strategic planning, team management, financial resource development, stakeholder relations, and inspiring pluralistic Jewish life.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, willingness to take risks, and learn from experiences.
• Ability to create a space for diverse perspectives and ensure all student voices are heard.
• Creative problem-solving and inspiring presence.
• Proactive communication and collaboration across offices and agencies.
• Expertise in leading conversations about Judaism and Israel in an approachable way.
• Appreciation and passion for working with college-age students and stakeholders in a university setting.
• A joyful spirit and enthusiasm for building community.

What You'll Receive:

• A competitive nonprofit salary with a range of $130,000 to $160,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Relocation assistance is available.
• Support from Hillel International’s Campus Support Director.
• Unlimited vacation policy.
• 100% paid professional development opportunities, including conferences and regional meetings.
• 100% paid travel regionally and abroad, particularly to Israel.

About Oregon Hillel

Oregon Hillel is a vibrant hub fostering Jewish life and connection for students across the state. Serving as the central organization overseeing the Hillel chapters at the University of Oregon (UO) and Oregon State University (OSU), it is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for Jewish students to explore, celebrate, and strengthen their identity. With engaging programs, cultural events, and diverse opportunities for leadership development, Oregon Hillel plays a pivotal role in enhancing the college experience for Jewish students at UO and OSU. The organization's dedication to building a thriving Jewish community is evident through its support, resources, and commitment to empowering students on both campuses to connect with their heritage and each other. Oregon Hillel serves as a bridge, connecting students to their roots while fostering a sense of belonging within the vibrant university communities of both UO and OSU.

About Eugene and Corvallis, Oregon

Eugene, Oregon, and Corvallis, Oregon, are two vibrant communities in the Pacific Northwest with distinct characteristics. Eugene, home to the University of Oregon, exudes a youthful and eclectic atmosphere. Known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and commitment to environmental sustainability, Eugene boasts extensive parks, bike paths, and a lively arts scene. The city is a haven for progressive thinkers and embraces a laid-back lifestyle. Conversely, Corvallis is anchored by Oregon State University and radiates a tight-knit academic ambiance. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the Willamette River, Corvallis is often praised for its sense of community, farmers' markets, and emphasis on local agriculture. Both cities share a common appreciation for the region's natural beauty, fostering a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.