Strategic Programs & Events Operations Lead

Hillel International; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits (medical, etc.)

Job summary

Harvard Hillel is seeking a Programs & Events Operations Manager to serve as the operational backbone of the Student Life team. You will coordinate logistics, budgets, facilities, hospitality, and administrative systems to enable staff to focus on building relationships with students and creating meaningful Jewish experiences.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with experience in operations and event coordination, strong communication skills, and proficiency

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in operations, administration, event coordination, project management, higher education, hospitality, nonprofit administration, or a related field.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, purchasing, contracts, invoices, and reimbursements.
• Strong attention to detail and outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence using tools such as Monday.com, spreadsheets, and databases.
• A proactive, service-oriented approach with the ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and build strong collaborative relationships.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics for student programs, Shabbat and holiday experiences, retreats, leadership initiatives, classes, and community events.
• Manage room reservations, registrations, catering, vendors, event timelines, supplies, signage, and purchasing.
• Coordinate facilities needs including room setup, audiovisual support, building access, security, deliveries, and event readiness.
• Serve as the operational point person for assigned events, ensuring logistics run smoothly before, during, and after each event.
• Support student leaders with purchasing, reimbursements, vendor coordination, event planning, and building procedures.
• Help create exceptional experiences through thoughtful hospitality, organization, and attention to detail.

Skills

Operations experience

Administration

Event coordination

Project management

Higher education experience

Hospitality

Nonprofit administration

Tools

Monday.com

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Harvard Hillel is seeking a Programs & Events Operations Manager to serve as the operational backbone of the Student Life team. You will coordinate logistics, budgets, facilities, hospitality, and administrative systems to enable staff to focus on building relationships with students and creating meaningful Jewish experiences.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with experience in operations and event coordination, strong communication skills, and proficiency