Executive Director at Michigan Hillel Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Executive Director

Role Overview

Established in 1926 as one of the earliest Hillel foundations in North America, Michigan Hillel is at the heart of Jewish life at the University of Michigan, serving a vibrant community of more than 6,500 Jewish students. Widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier campus communities for Jewish college students, Michigan Hillel cultivates a vibrant, pluralistic, and welcoming environment grounded in student empowerment, leadership development, and diverse Jewish expression. The organization supports more than 40 student-led groups and initiatives, serving as a hub for religious practice, cultural connection, intellectual and political discourse, and community building across the Ann Arbor campus.

Michigan Hillel seeks an experienced, visionary, and collaborative Executive Director (ED) to lead one of the country's most prominent campus organizations. In close partnership with an engaged Board of Directors, the ED will serve as Michigan Hillel’s chief strategic leader, spokesperson, and ambassador, providing vision and oversight across organizational culture, programmatic impact, staff leadership, operations, and a $3.6M annual budget. The ED will also build and steward relationships across the University of Michigan, the broader Ann Arbor community, and a diverse network of donors, alumni, parents, and communal partners.

The ideal candidate will bring 12+ years of increasing leadership responsibility, including a strong track record in fundraising, board partnership, organizational management, and stakeholder engagement. The ED will be a compelling, values-driven leader who inspires students and staff and understands the complexities of contemporary Jewish campus life. Above all, the ED will ensure that Michigan Hillel remains a safe, inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking home for Jewish students while advancing the organization’s impact and long‑term sustainability.

This role is full-time and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Michigan Hillel’s strategic vision, mission, organizational impact, and long‑term sustainability
• Build, develop, mentor, and retain a high‑performing staff team grounded in collaboration, excellence and professional growth
• Partner with the Director of Development to advance major donor, alumni, and parent engagement and fundraising strategies
• Provide fiscal oversight and operational leadership to ensure financial health, organizational effectiveness, and sustainable growth
• Champion an inclusive, pluralistic, and welcoming environment for 6,500+ Jewish students and 40+ student-led organizations
• Build and steward strategic partnerships with University of Michigan leadership, faculty, campus organizations, and regional community partners
• Navigate complex campus challenges with sound judgement and integrity, fostering a safe and supportive environment while addressing issues including antisemitism and Israel
• Engage directly with students by building authentic relationships, mentoring emerging leaders, and supporting them in shaping their individual Jewish journeys

Qualifications & Skills

• 12+ years of professional experience in a nonprofit, higher education, Hillel, or other Jewish communal setting preferred
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience managing teams, operations, and strategic initiatives
• Proven success securing major gifts and driving sustainable fundraising growth
• Demonstrated expertise in fiscal management, budget oversight, and organizational operations
• Nuanced understanding of Jewish identity and pluralism, with familiarity navigating issues related to Israel and antisemitism on campus
• Exceptional executive presence, communication, relationship-building, and public advocacy skills
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with students, university leaders, board members, donors, alumni, and community partners
• Passion for empowering college‑aged adults and cultivating the next generation of Jewish leaders

Compensation

• Competitive salary in the non‑profit marketplace. The salary range for this role is$225,000 - $250,000.

About Hillel International

In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.

Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.