Executive Director at Claremont Hillel

Role Overview

Claremont Hillel is at a transformative inflection point. Serving the prestigious 7-C consortium (including Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, Pitzer, and 2 graduate schools), we have evolved from a small chaplaincy into a thriving, independent 501(c)3. We are currently more than halfway toward a $2.5M capital campaign to establish our first-ever Hillel House, a direct response to the growing needs of our students.

What You’ll Do

Student Engagement

• Establish a warm, welcoming community that promotes student leadership and personal growth.
• Ensure strong relationships with other religious organizations on campus.
• Provide individualized mentorship for students on their Jewish journeys.
• Ensure Hillel is a safe space for students, addressing antisemitism and anti-Israel activities on campus. Encourage an inclusive culture embracing all expressions of Jewish religious practice.
• Work to increase student engagement year-over-year.

Fundraising & Financial Management

• You are the organization’s chief advancement officer, and fundraising is a key component of this position. Currently, Claremont Hillel is involved in a $2.5M capital campaign for its new home.
• Maintain relationships with major donors, community partners, and grantmaking organizations while continuously cultivating new donors.
• Overall, you hold responsibility for the financial health of the organization.
• Work alongside the Board of Directors to ensure regular financial reporting and a balanced budget.

Strategy & Vision

• Lead and organize pluralistic, diverse Jewish life on campus, expanding the reach to include students with various Jewish backgrounds and identities.
• Lead strategic planning efforts with the Board of Directors.
• Cultivate relationships with 8 campus administrations, including Pomona, Claremont Graduate University, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Keck Graduate Institute, and The Claremont Colleges Services.
• Foster relationships with Hillel International and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.

Leadership & Development

• Inspire, develop, and mentor a professional team that fosters pluralism, inclusivity, and student leadership development.
• Ensure staff possess a strong foundation in Jewish education and rituals.
• Partner with and provide administrative support to the Claremont Hillel Board of Directors.
• Cultivate a positive work environment, delegate effectively, and support staff in professional development.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Board and committee members.
• Serve as a mentor to staff, dedicating time to work closely with each staff member on personal development and career paths.

Stakeholder & External Relations

• Unify and build community while creating a culturally rich Jewish environment for students.
• Collaborate with campus organizations to enhance student engagement across diverse programs and platforms.
• Serve as Hillel’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the public, engaging the community in Hillel’s mission and purpose.
• Engage proactively to build positive working relationships with college administrators across the 7-C consortium.

What You’ll Bring

• Executive Presence: Minimum 8 years of professional experience, with 3+ years in a senior leadership role (nonprofit, higher education, or Jewish communal sector).
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree a plus.
• Fundraising Prowess: A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing complex financial portfolios.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: You thrive in "build" mode. You are comfortable with the ambiguity of growth and possess the creative problem-solving skills to turn a new Hillel House into a campus center for Jewish life.
• Relationship Focus: The ability to build authentic bridges across diverse populations, from first-year students to high-net-worth donors and senior college administrators.
• Jewish Literacy: A deep commitment to pluralism and the ability to lead approachable, sophisticated engagement around Jewish life and Israel.
• Leadership: Exemplary executive leadership with strong visionary and strategic skills. Expertise in leading conversations about Judaism and Israel in an approachable way.

What You’ll Receive

• Salary: $125,000 – $155,000, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: medical, dental & vision, 403(b) retirement plan, LTD, generous Vacation/Sick PTO, and paid parental leave.
• Professional Growth: Access to Hillel International’s premier leadership development, conferences, and regional networking.
• Relocation: Assistance is available for the right candidate.

About Hillel International

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.