Executive Director - Cleveland Hillel

Hillel International • Cleveland, OH

11d • $145,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cleveland Hillel is dedicated to fostering vibrant Jewish life across eleven campuses in northeast Ohio, emphasizing joy, belonging, inclusion, and resilience, while cultivating strong Jewish leaders. With flagship campuses at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and Oberlin College and Conservatory, and a dedicated student center at CWRU, Hillel serves nearly 2,000 Jewish college and graduate students annually. The organization provides opportunities for students to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity through social, cultural, and community service programs, connecting them to their community, peers, and heritage. The Executive Director will be responsible for securing the resources needed to expand student engagement and empower students to build a meaningful Jewish community. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in developing financial and human resources, a passion for student engagement, experience leading teams, strategic vision implementation, and strong relationship-building skills. This role also requires modeling a commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel.

Requirements

• Minimum of eight years of professional experience.
• At least three years in a leadership role in a Jewish or secular nonprofit, higher education, or related organization.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proven success in strategic planning.
• Proven success in team management.
• Proven success in financial resource development, including major gifts.
• Proven success in stakeholder relations.
• Proven success in inspiring pluralistic Jewish life.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Commitment to excellence.
• Entrepreneurial spirit.
• Willingness to take risks.
• Ability to learn from experiences.
• Ability to create a space for diverse perspectives and voices.
• Creative innovation.
• Inspiring presence.
• Proactive communication and collaboration across offices, stakeholders, 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead with big-picture thinking and collaborate with the Board and stakeholders to build and communicate a long-term vision.
• Partner with the board to identify priorities and develop a multi-year plan to enhance Cleveland Hillel's visibility, funding, and impact.
• Guide staff in creating an annual student engagement strategy focused on student interests and needs, empowering student leadership and broadening involvement across diverse Jewish backgrounds.
• Build and sustain a culture of philanthropy through strategic outreach, authentic stewardship, and clear communication of organizational goals.
• Steward the Oberlin College $1M capital campaign through completion.
• Cultivate long-term major donor relationships and diversify revenue sources.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and budget adherence with the Board Treasurer.
• Collaborate with board members, Hillel International, and stakeholders to strengthen finances and governance.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including student and university leaders, Jewish and community organizations, alumni, and parents.
• Strengthen relationships with campus administrators and student government bodies.
• Provide expertise on the evolving needs of Jewish college students and campus climate.
• Ensure programming aligns with the overall engagement strategy and diverse student needs.
• Build relationships with students from diverse backgrounds and create opportunities for Jewish life participation.
• Ensure Hillel provides safe spaces and programming for all Jewish students, addressing antisemitism and anti-Israel activities.
• Effectively manage a multi-campus network with clear communication and responsiveness.
• Inform students about resources for reporting legal/bias incidents and provide support.
• Cultivate relationships with board members, utilizing them as thought partners.
• Staff monthly Board Meetings and quarterly Executive Committee meetings, presenting comprehensive updates.
• Staff Board Committee meetings and seek development opportunities for Board Members.
• Seek advice from Board members on key decisions.
• Create opportunities for board members to engage with students.
• Enhance Hillel's visibility, brand, and reputation on campuses and in the community.
• Generate multimedia communications to maximize student engagement and demonstrate organizational value.
• Collaborate with Hillel International for press releases and public statements.
• Serve as Cleveland Hillel's primary spokesperson.
• Inspire, mentor, develop, and supervise a professional staff team.
• Manage relationships with outsourced work partners.
• Oversee staff with clarity, kindness, respect, collaboration, and accountability.
• Lead recruiting, hiring, and onboarding of new employees.

Benefits

• Competitive nonprofit salary with a range of $145,000 to $160,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Relocation assistance is available.
• Support from Hillel International’s Campus Support Director.
• 100% paid professional development opportunities, including conferences and regional meetings.
• 100% paid travel regionally and abroad, as needed.

What This Job Offers

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