Executive Director at Claremont Hillel

Hillel International • Claremont, CA

13h • Hybrid

About The Position

Claremont Hillel is at a transformative inflection point. Serving the prestigious 7-C consortium (including Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, Pitzer, and 2 graduate schools), we have evolved from a small chaplaincy into a thriving, independent 501(c)3. We are currently more than halfway towards a $2.5M capital campaign to establish our first-ever recently purchased Hillel House, a direct response to the growing needs of our students. As our new Executive Director, you will be the visionary architect of this new era. You will lead a growing team, manage a significant capital project, and deepen a pluralistic Jewish community for some of the brightest students in the country.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience, with 3+ years in a senior leadership role (nonprofit, higher education, or Jewish communal sector).
• Bachelor’s Degree
• A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing complex financial portfolios.
• You thrive in "build" mode. You are comfortable with the ambiguity of growth and possess the creative problem-solving skills to turn a new Hillel House into a campus center for Jewish life.
• The ability to build authentic bridges across diverse populations, from first-year students to high-net-worth donors and senior college administrators.
• A deep commitment to pluralism and the ability to lead approachable, sophisticated engagement around Jewish life and Israel.
• Exemplary executive leadership with strong visionary and strategic skills. Expertise in leading conversations about Judaism and Israel in an approachable way.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree a plus.

Responsibilities

• Establish a warm, welcoming community that promotes student leadership and personal growth.
• Ensure strong relationships with other religious organizations on campus.
• Provide individualized mentorship for students on their Jewish journeys.
• 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.
• Work to increase student engagement year-over-year.
• Maintain relationships with major donors, community partners, and grantmaking organizations while continuously cultivating new donors.
• Overall, you hold responsibility for the financial health of the organization.
• Work alongside the Board of Directors to ensure regular financial reporting and a balanced budget.
• Lead and organize pluralistic, diverse Jewish life on campus, expanding the reach to include students with various Jewish backgrounds and identities.
• Lead strategic planning efforts with the Board of Directors.
• Cultivate relationships with 8 campus administrations, including Pomona, Claremont Graduate University, Scripps, Claremont Mckenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Keck Graduate Institute, and The Claremont Colleges Services.
• Foster relationships with Hillel International and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.
• Inspire, develop, and mentor a professional team that fosters pluralism, inclusivity, and student leadership development.
• Ensure staff possess a strong foundation in Jewish education and rituals.
• Partner with and provide administrative support to the Claremont Hillel Board of Directors.
• Cultivate a positive work environment, delegate effectively, and support staff in professional development.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Board and committee members.
• Serve as a mentor to staff, dedicating time to work closely with each staff member on personal development and career paths.
• Unify and build community while creating a culturally rich Jewish environment for students.
• Collaborate with campus organizations to enhance student engagement across diverse programs and platforms.
• Serve as Hillel’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the public, engaging the community in Hillel’s mission and purpose.

Benefits

• medical, dental & vision
• 403(b) retirement plan
• LTD
• generous Vacation/Sick PTO
• paid parental leave
• Access to Hillel International’s premier leadership development, conferences, and regional networking.
• Assistance is available for the right candidate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees