Executive Director - Hillel at Miami University

Executive Director - Hillel at Miami University

Role Overview:

Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make a real difference in the lives of Jewish students? Hillel at Miami University is looking for an energetic, visionary Executive Director to take us to the next level! If you’re a go-getter with a passion for community building and strategic leadership, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. 

As our Executive Director, you’ll oversee a talented team, manage operations, finances, and programming, and spearhead exciting fundraising initiatives. You’ll be the driving force behind fostering meaningful connections between students, alumni, donors, university leadership, and the broader Jewish community. 

Partnering with our Board of Directors, you’ll help create unforgettable experiences that inspire Jewish students to embrace and celebrate their heritage for a lifetime. If you’re a dynamic leader with a knack for building relationships and a love for Jewish life, this could be the opportunity for you!

What You’ll Do: 

Vision and Leadership:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to further Hillel’s mission on campus.
• Foster a dynamic and inclusive environment where students feel supported exploring their Jewish identities.
• Ensure the student engagement strategy is dynamic, inclusive, and successful in meeting its goals. 
• Have your pulse on the changing needs of Jewish college students, Jewish identity development, and campus climate. 
• Cultivate relationships with campus departments, religious organizations, and the local community.

Board Engagement and Governance:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the organization, ensuring effective communication and partnership.
• Work closely with the Board Chair to develop meeting agendas, support Board committee work, and keep the Board informed of key organizational matters.
• Provide leadership and support to the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities, including policy development, strategic planning, fundraising, and financial oversight.
• Collaborate with the Board on recruiting, orienting, and developing new Board members to ensure a diverse and engaged Board.
• Assist in Board evaluation processes and help identify opportunities for improvement in Board governance and effectiveness.

Fundraising and Financial Management:

• Lead and execute fundraising efforts, including individual donor stewardship, grant writing, and alumni engagement.
• Cultivate relationships with major donors and community partners to ensure financial sustainability and growth.
• Continue to work with the university advancement professionals to further educate about the importance of Hillel on campus, as well as identify prospects who would support the mission of Hillel at Miami University
• Oversee all aspects of the organization’s financial management, including budgeting and financial reporting.

Student Engagement and Programming:

• Supervise and support the Assistant Director to ensure a robust calendar of events and activities that engage students in meaningful Jewish experiences.
• Build strong relationships with students and serve as a mentor and resource for them in navigating their Jewish journeys.
• Be a role model and guide to emerging Jewish student leaders.
• Ensure Hillel is a safe space for students, addressing antisemitism and anti-Israel activities on campus.
• Encourage an inclusive culture embracing all expressions of Jewish religious practice.
• Establish a warm, welcoming community that promotes student leadership and personal growth.
• Cultivate and build strong relationships with other religious organizations on campus.

Staff Leadership and Development:

• Supervise and support a professional staff team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and student engagement strategies.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and accountability within the staff.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of staff.

University and Community Relations:

• Serve as the primary representative of Hillel at Miami University to campus administration, faculty, and student organizations.
• Develop strong partnerships with university leadership, the Jewish community, and national Hillel organizations.
• Advocate for the needs and interests of Jewish students within the university and broader community.

What You’ll Bring to the Job:

• At least five years of professional experience in a leadership or management role.
• Ability to lead fundraising efforts creatively and passionately focused on building lasting relationships with key donors.
• Visionary leadership, with the innate ability to inspire students, staff, and other key stakeholders. 
• An attitude of proactive communication and collaboration across offices and agencies. 
• Strong people management skills and a strong EQ enable you to bring out the best in your staff and students. 
• Solid organizational skills, including planning, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization. 
• An inspiring presence that will help others deepen their interest in Jewish life and the ability to listen to and build relationships with college students. 
• Strong relationship-building skills and comfort working with diverse populations different from yours. 
• An understanding of Judaism, Israel, and antisemitism in a way that is approachable and meets students at various points in their Jewish journey. 

What You’ll Receive: 

• Competitive salary in the non-profit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $115,000-$130,000, depending upon skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance,  life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), vacation/sick time, and parental leave. 
• Professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities. 
• Opportunities for paid travel throughout the U.S. and to Israel. 
• A supportive and committed Board of lay leaders. 
• Dedicated campus support from Hillel International.
• Relocation assistance is available.

About Hillel at Miami University:
The Hillel at Miami University of Ohio serves a diverse Jewish student population of approximately 800 undergraduates. Students come primarily from the larger cities in Ohio and throughout the Midwest, with a significant percentage of Jewish students coming from out of state. We are independently housed on campus at The Beerman Center and plan to launch a capital campaign in 2025 to renovate the existing facility.

Miami University of Ohio is one of the premier public universities in the state. Consistently ranked one of the top public colleges in the nation, the business school programs are rated in the top 20 among public universities nationwide. The graduation rate is first in Ohio and ninth among public institutions nationwide. The alumni base is, therefore, over 180,000 strong. Otherwise known as “the Harvard of the Midwest,” the campus consists entirely of period architecture with beautifully landscaped grounds. Located in Oxford, Ohio, Miami offers the best small-town and metropolitan environments. Oxford itself is a beautiful college town with an approximate population of 22,000. Just 35 miles north is Dayton, and to the south is Cincinnati, where cultural activities, four-star dining, and major league sporting events are plentiful. Both Dayton and Cincinnati offer opportunities for living Jewishly and genuinely becoming part of the community. Most current Hillel staff members live in Cincinnati and commute approximately 45 minutes to campus.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact: 

Jennifer Sosnow, Director of Executive Talent, Hillel International, Hillel International at

jsosnow@hillel.org