Chief Program Officer at Schilit Hillel at University of Florida

Hillel International • Gainesville, FL

1d • $90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

The Chief Program Officer leads program strategy and operations at Schilit Hillel at the University of Florida, helping expand Hillel’s reach and connect Jewish students to its mission. In partnership with the Executive Director and senior staff, the role articulates and implements a compelling, data-driven engagement strategy, supports operational excellence, and builds a team of mission-driven professionals and student leaders to foster vibrant, diverse Jewish life on campus.

The CPO oversees student engagement and leadership development across community building, Jewish learning, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, social justice, Israel education, engagement, and advocacy. The role supervises six full-time professionals, manages hiring and training for a growing team, develops curriculum for cohort fellowships, and guides Israel programs, including travel and participant follow-through. The position also collaborates with campus partners and senior leadership, leads weekly staff meetings, and plans quarterly retreats.

Schilit Hillel serves one of the largest Jewish student populations in the country and takes a relationship-focused approach to helping every Jewish Gator feel welcome and explore their identity. It is affiliated with Hillel International, whose mission is to enrich Jewish students’ lives and foster enduring commitments to Jewish life, learning, and Israel.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in Jewish, experiential, or higher education.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Excellent supervision skills and ability to coach others to achieve outcomes.
• Experience hiring and managing a team.
• Success creating structures and opportunities that empower students to take initiative and ownership of their communities.
• Experience developing and/or implementing a strategic plan, including reporting and tracking data.
• Track record of managing multiple projects while maintaining high quality and outcomes.
• Comfort managing teams and working independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to connect people’s passions and interests to Hillel’s mission.
• Entrepreneurial approach and comfort with ambiguity while striving for excellence.
• Commitment to pluralism and comfort with Jewish identity, serving as a role model and mentor for emerging Jewish adults.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with students, parents, alumni, and university partners.
• Attention to detail while managing multiple ongoing projects.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience as a professional in a Jewish nonprofit organization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director and senior staff to design and execute an engagement strategy that expands Hillel’s reach and connects Jewish students to its mission.
• Develop student leadership and diverse opportunities in community building, Jewish learning, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, social justice, Israel education, engagement, and advocacy.
• Supervise, mentor, and support the professional growth of six full-time professionals.
• Build intentional relationships with students to strengthen their Jewish identity and connection to campus Jewish life.
• Oversee a data-driven student engagement strategy, including identifying students, supporting timely ongoing relationship building, and fostering accountability.
• Collaborate as a thought partner with the Executive Director, senior staff, and campus partners.
• Identify and cultivate student leaders and provide ongoing mentorship and support.
• Design and implement curriculum for cohort fellowships, including the First Year Fellowship.
• Guide Israel education, engagement, and advocacy efforts, including Israel travel programs and participant follow-through.
• Lead weekly staff meetings and plan quarterly retreats in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Manage hiring and training for a growing team of program and engagement professionals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, AD&D insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending accounts.
• Generous vacation and sick time.
• Parental leave.
• Professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.
• Travel regionally and abroad, particularly to Israel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior