Assistant Director

University of Wisconsin Hillel

Role Overview

The Assistant Director is the Chief Executive Officer’s thought partner in developing and implementing the overall vision and strategy of the organization and helping to lead Hillel at the University of Wisconsin-Madison through a period of vibrant growth. The Assistant Director is responsible for overseeing student life related to programming, engagement, and student leadership and for supporting the work of staff and student leaders on small- to large-scale programs and initiatives. As manager of program operations, the Assistant Director will strive to cultivate an inspiring work environment, while ensuring that staff members have what they need to excel at their jobs.

Reports to: CEO       

FLSA Status: Exempt

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with senior staff to craft, implement, develop, and review Hillel’s vision for programming and education.
• Oversee engagement tracking systems, budget oversight, and program evaluation to ensure measurable outcomes.
• Supervise and mentor professional staff, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed.
• Lead community-building efforts by fostering student leadership, peer networks, and Jewish student affinity groups.
• Encourage a pluralistic approach to Shabbat and holiday observances, ensuring accessible and meaningful Jewish experiences for a diverse Jewish student population.
• Staff and support Taglit-Birthright Israel, including pre-and-post-trip fellowship and reunion programs.
• Advise the student Program Board through skills-based and informal training, leadership retreats, and goal-setting conversations.
• Represent Hillel at university and community events, building relationships with key institutional partners in partnership with the Director of Community Relations.
• Facilitate weekly staff meetings, oversee onboarding and training, and maintain job descriptions and organizational structures.
• Manage internal operations, including scheduling, program calendars, and student sign-ups, ensuring seamless day-to-day execution.
• Work with the financial resource development team to secure grants and create impact-driven digital engagement for various audiences.
• Oversee Hillel’s digital presence, including website management, social media, and communication strategies.

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree and 5+ years of relevant professional work experience.
• Experience supervising professional staff and/or facilitating leadership development for young adults.
• Comfort in managing teams as well as working independently and collaboratively.
• Accomplished organizational skills related to strategic planning, program oversight, and time management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
• A serious work ethic, sense of humor, and willingness to take risks and learn from unexpected situations.
• A commitment to pluralism, a comfort with your own Jewish identity, and fluency of Jewish knowledge and tradition to act as a role model and mentor for emerging Jewish adults.
• A deep understanding of the dynamism of Jewish life and how that affects current and future generations of university students.
• The ability to work hours needed to complete job requirements, including some evenings (on a weekly basis), weekends, and holidays.
• You should excel in a dynamic and growth-oriented entrepreneurial organization that seeks to say yes often and envision new modalities for success.
• Some experience creating, planning, and staffing Jewish experiences in camp, youth group, synagogue, high- school, undergraduate, or other settings.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Salary Range is $75,000-$85,000.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity (GSRA), pension plan, life insurance, Long Term Disability (LTD), Flexible Spending Plan, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave.
• Great professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.

About Hillel at UW Madison

With nearly 5,000 Jewish students the UW Hillel has a vibrant program of engaged and caring students. The nation's second oldest Hillel, our work to engage all Jewish students on campus crosses all areas of Jewish identity and social life from religious, spiritual, educational, social, social action and support activities; and active engagement in the larger campus community. Located in the heart of campus in what is regularly ranked one of America's best places to live, Hillel at UW-Madison is a fun, dynamic, and special place to work and live.

UW Hillel is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.