Executive Director - Central Florida Hillel - Orlando, Florida

MissionHires; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Relocation assistance

100% paid professional development

Job summary

MissionHires is seeking an Executive Director to lead Jewish campus life at the University of Central Florida Hillel. The ideal candidate will inspire and organize diverse Jewish life, lead strategic planning, and manage financial responsibilities.

This role entails fostering relationships with various stakeholders and transforming Jewish student engagement through innovative programs. A competitive salary of $140,000 to $160,000 is offered along with comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit or higher education.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and organize Jewish life on campus.
• Lead strategic planning efforts with the Board.
• Implement a comprehensive annual development plan.

Skills

Leadership in nonprofit settings

Innovative thinking

Financial management

Relationship building

Team development

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or higher preferred

Job description

Shape Jewish campus life at the University of Central Florida Hillel. We seek a visionary leader who embraces challenges, enjoys shaping a team, and strives to partner with staff and students to create a meaningful Jewish life. With one of North America's largest Jewish student populations (6,000+), a great facility, and the support of a strong Jewish community, we have the capacity to continue to reach and engage with more Jewish students each year. The right Executive Director will harness these assets to write the next chapter of our story—one that matches the scale of our ambitions with a sustainable, meaningful impact. This role encourages creative thinking and offers the opportunity to execute a bold vision that can reimagine Jewish campus engagement through conversations with students, staff, and campus partners. If you’re energized by the prospect of continuing to elevate and transform one of the leading Hillels in the country, this transformative leadership opportunity awaits.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision:

• Inspire and organize pluralistic, diverse Jewish life on campus, supporting students with various Jewish backgrounds and interests.
• Lead strategic planning efforts with the Board, managing financial responsibilities within the approved budget.
• Cultivate relationships with campus departments, campus religious organizations, and the local community.
• Foster connections between UCF Hillel, the International Hillel movement, and other national initiatives and programs.

Fundraising & Financial Management:

• Implement a comprehensive annual development plan in partnership with our Development Director, overseeing donor relations and engagement.
• Personally engage in donor solicitation, manage relationships with granting organizations, and identify/bring in innovative revenue streams for program growth and expansion.
• Identify and manage grant application activity for the organization.
• Oversee the facility, budgeting, financial management, processing bills, contributions, and payroll.
• Manage the facility, oversee UCF tenant relationships, address operational needs, and oversee improvements and maintenance.

Student Engagement:

• Establish a warm, welcoming community that promotes student leadership and personal growth.
• Work collaboratively to create programming with other religious organizations on campus.
• Work with staff to establish Hillel as a safe space for students, providing security and addressing antisemitism and anti-Israel activities on campus.
• Encourage pluralism by embracing all expressions of Jewish religious practice.

Leadership & Development:

• Inspire, hire, develop, and mentor a professional team that fosters pluralism, inclusivity, and student leadership development.
• Cultivate a positive work environment, delegate effectively, and support staff in personal and professional development.
• Develop and maintain close collaborative relationships with Board and committee members.

Stakeholder & External Relations:

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, including the board, student and University leaders, Jewish community leaders in Orlando and South Florida, alumni, donors, and parents nationwide.
• Collaborate with campus organizations to enhance student engagement across diverse programs and platforms.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit or higher education settings, with a track record of innovation and sustainable growth. Experience in Hillel or organizations focused on Jewish communal work is an asset.
• Managed teams of professionals, enabling them to reach their full potential.
• Implemented sound financial management practices, including budgeting, cost controls, and regular reporting to an oversight committee or board.
• Contributed to the development and training of board leadership.
• Participated in fundraising campaigns, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors.
• Built relationships with key stakeholders and influential leaders, especially within education or nonprofit spaces.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience, with at least three years in a leadership role in a Jewish or secular nonprofit, higher education, or related organization.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or higher preferred.
• Proven success in strategic planning, team management, fiscal oversight, and development.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
• Ability to create a space for diverse perspectives and ensure all student voices are heard.
• Creative problem‑solving and inspiring presence.
• Proactive communication and collaboration across offices 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.

Benefits

• A competitive nonprofit salary ranging from $140,000 to $160,000, depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Relocation assistance 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, particularly to Israel.