Operations Manager at Brown RISD Hillel

Hillel International • Providence, RI

1d • $55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

Brown RISD Hillel is seeking an organized, warm, hands-on Operations Manager to support Jewish life on College Hill. The role enables programs and events, supports staff and student workers, and ensures the building is attractive, welcoming, and safe for students, families, alumni, donors, and guests. The Operations Manager works closely with BRH colleagues, Brown and RISD partners, and outside vendors and contractors, and reports to the Director of Finance & Administration. The workload is heaviest during the academic year and lighter during university breaks and summer. Regular Friday evening coverage and occasional weekends are required.

The position covers event logistics and coordination; staff scheduling, hiring support, safety training, supplies, vendors, budgeting, and IT liaison work; and building maintenance, custodial oversight, kitchen compliance, security, access schedules, and capital project coordination. The Operations Manager also contributes to a collaborative workplace and takes on special projects and other duties as needed to advance BRH’s mission.

Requirements

• Three to five years of related professional experience in operations, event management, facilities, hospitality, or nonprofit administration.
• Excellent supervision skills and a track record of coaching others to achieve outcomes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once while maintaining quality.
• Experience with vendor management, invoice processing, and working within a budget.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a warm, service-minded approach to students, staff, and guests.
• Self-starter’s drive and ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Comfort with technology, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and online registration tools.
• Availability for Friday evenings, occasional weekends, and on-call event needs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and help with event setup and breakdown.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with or curiosity about Jewish life and culture, including the requirements of Shabbat and kashrut observance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute event logistics, including catering, room setups and breakdowns, staffing, linens, technology, security, and check-in.
• Support program staff and student leaders in planning and executing events.
• Partner with Brown Dining and local caterers on menu planning, ordering, and service for Shabbat, holidays, and special events.
• Create the building and holiday calendar in consultation with Brown and RISD academic calendars, the Jewish calendar, and BRH senior leadership; oversee internal space reservations and external rentals.
• Create shift schedules and assignments for front desk security, kitchen, check-in and setup crews, and student employees; recruit and hire additional staff as needed in partnership with the Director of Finance & Administration.
• Carry out BRH’s annual health and safety plan, train staff on safety and emergency procedures, schedule training with subject-matter experts, and maintain attendance records for mandatory trainings.
• Order, stock, and track office, kitchen, and program supplies.
• Manage vendor relationships and service contracts; gather quotes, route invoices and rental payments, track building, security, and event spending, and work with the Director of Finance & Administration on budgets and cost savings.
• Serve as liaison with Campus Life IT for staff computer hardware, software, and printing needs.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, annual inspections, special cleanings, work orders, and weekly building walkthroughs.
• Direct custodial staff on daily tasks and special assignments; maintain kitchen compliance, including health inspections, food safety logs, and sanitation testing.
• Serve as the main point of contact for security matters and work with Brown Public Safety and other security partners.
• Maintain the building’s access schedule for academic, holiday, and summer periods; review staff card access each semester; and serve as the main alarm-system contact.
• Coordinate onsite capital improvement projects with BRH’s Facilities Committee and project manager, including scheduling work around events, managing contractor access, and informing staff and students.
• Contribute actively and collaboratively to the BRH team and help build a positive workplace culture.
• Take on special projects and other duties as needed to advance BRH’s mission.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, generous vacation and sick time, and parental leave.
• Professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed