Executive Director - University of Missouri (Mizzou) Hillel

Executive Director

University of Missouri, Columbia Hillel

Mizzou Hillel is a place where Jewish students come together to meet one another and get involved in Jewish life in Mid-Missouri. We are committed to creating a pluralistic, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every student. Our programs provide space to explore Jewish identity, build Jewish community, and engage in Jewish practice and ritual.

Strategy & Vision:

• Inspire and organize pluralistic, diverse Jewish life on campus, expanding the reach to include students with various Jewish backgrounds and interests.
• Have your pulse on the changing needs of Jewish college students, Jewish identity development, and campus climate.
• 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 the University of Missouri, Columbia (Mizzou) Hillel, the International Hillel movement, and other regional and national initiatives and programs.

Student Engagement & Programming:

• Supervise and support programming to ensure a robust calendar of events and activities that engage students in meaningful Jewish experiences.
• Build strong relationships with students and serve as a mentor and resource as they navigate their Jewish journeys.
• Be a role model and guide to emerging Jewish student leaders.
• Establish a warm, welcoming community that embraces all expressions of Jewish religious practice and promotes student leadership and personal growth.

Fundraising & Financial Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan, overseeing donor relations and engagement.
• Build on previously completed fundraising for our building renovation plan to continue moving the project forward.
• Personally engage in donor solicitation, manage relationships with granting organizations, including applying for grant opportunities and meeting required reporting requirements, and explore innovative revenue streams for program growth and expansion.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, and internal controls, including processing payroll.

Leadership & Development:

• Inspire, develop, and mentor a leadership team that fosters pluralism and inclusivity
• Ensure that any Hillel staff and student leadership possess a strong foundation in Jewish education and program implementation.
• Cultivate a positive work environment, delegate effectively, and support personal and professional development opportunities.
• Work closely with the Board Chair to develop meeting agendas, develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Board and committee members, support Board committee work, and keep the Board informed of key organizational matters.
• Manage the operation of our 10,000-square-foot facility, ensuring its smooth functioning, addressing any operational needs, overseeing improvements and maintenance, and managing building and parking lot rental income.

Stakeholder & External Relations:

• Unify and build community by maintaining and strengthening relationships with diverse stakeholders, including students and University leaders, local Jewish community leaders, alumni, and parents nationwide.
• Understand Mizzou Hillel's unique culture, identify partnership opportunities, and engage with Board members and prospective leaders.
• Collaborate with campus organizations to enhance student engagement across diverse programs and platforms.

What You've Accomplished:

• Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit or higher education settings.
• Experience in Hillel or with other Jewish communal organizations, or with other youth engagement non-profits, is a plus.
• Designed and ran engaging and thought-provoking programs through a range of modalities.
• Participated in fundraising campaigns, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors.
• Built relationships with key stakeholders and influential leaders, especially within education or nonprofit spaces.
• Produced effective communications, including written proposals, newsletters, direct mail pieces, social media content, video projects, and/or presentations.
• Engaged in formal or informal Jewish education offerings.
• Experience in management/supervision of teams and individuals, 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.

What you’ll bring:

• Minimum of 5 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 preferred.
• Proven success in program design and implementation, strategic planning, team management, financial resource development, stakeholder relations, and inspiring pluralistic Jewish life.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, willingness to take risks, and the ability to learn from experiences.
• Ability to create a space for diverse perspectives and ensure all student voices are heard.
• Creative problem-solving and an inspiring, joyful 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.

What You'll Receive:

• A competitive nonprofit salary with a range of $75,000-$95,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Relocation assistance may be 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.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply before January 30, 2026. For questions, please contact Jennifer Sosnow, Director of Executive Talent (jsosnow@hillel.org)