Interim CEO

University of Michigan Hillel Foundation

Role Overview

Make an impact on thousands of Jewish students at the University of Michigan as the Interim CEO of the University of Michigan Hillel Foundation (UMichigan Hillel). In this temporary, leadership role, you will provide overall administrative management and organizational leadership for the next 6-9 months. UMichigan Hillel seeks an experienced leader who can navigate this interim period with ambition, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Your strategic approach will inspire and motivate the staff and volunteer leadership to continue growing the organization during our search for a new CEO.

What You'll Do

• Provide supervision and guidance to the senior staff team that includes the following positions: Chief Operating Officer, Chief Development Officer, Assistant Director, Senior Rabbi, and Chief Finance Officer.
• Review and help draft communications including social media posts, fundraising letters, and other relevant correspondence.
• Provide ongoing communication and staffing to the board chair and members of the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance issues to ensure sound financial practices.
• Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to implement internal processes and procedures.
• Support and supervise the student life team in the ongoing programming for approximately 6,500 students, reacting to major events if and when they arise, and providing guidance on how to meet the needs of our diverse population.
• Collaborate with the CDO to engage existing and prospective donors as needed.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, including student and University leaders, area Federations, Hillel International, Jewish community leaders in Ann Arbor, as well as alumni and parents across the country.
• Ensure a safe and secure environment for Jewish students at Hillel, acting as the chief advocate for students facing anti-Jewish bias and antisemitism on campus.

What You've Accomplished

• Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit or higher education settings, with a track record of innovation and sustainable growth.
• Proven expertise in overseeing college-level student centers, with a strong record of fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable growth.
• Successfully led teams of professionals, empowering them to excel and realize their maximum potential.
• Established and nurtured connections with pivotal stakeholders and influential figures, particularly within the realms of higher education and the nonprofit sector.
• Financial literacy with the ability to manage and maintain budget controls.
• Completed a bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred.
• Engaged in formal or informal Jewish education offerings.
• If you don’t meet every criteria on this list but think you’d be a great fit, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Bring to the Job

• Strong leadership skills with a drive for success, resilience, and adaptability.
• Experience in crisis-management.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
• A “roll-up-your-sleeves” and “get the job done” attitude and work ethic.
• Experience and proven success working with college-age students and stakeholders in a university setting.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn the dynamism of Jewish life and its impact on current and future generations of university students.
• Ability to empower others, foster collaboration, and support the existing ideas and work of engagement staff..
• Strong relationship-building and team leadership skills, comfortable working with diverse populations.
• A joyful spirit and enthusiasm for building community.

*Candidates with experience managing programs and teams in a university setting will be given priority consideration in the selection process.

What You'll Receive

• Compensation of $10,000-$13,000 per month during the interim period will be provided through a 1099 independent contractor arrangement.
• Support from Hillel International’s Campus Support Director.
• Temporary housing options may be available if needed

How to apply:

• Applications will be accepted through November 6, 2023 and candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis.
• Anticipated start date: As soon as possible.
• For questions regarding this opportunity please contact Jennifer Sosnow, Director of Executive Recruitment at jsosnow@hillel.org.

About the University of Michigan Hillel Foundation

Hillel at the University of Michigan was the third Hillel Foundation in North America, established in 1926. Our Hillel has been housed at two locations at the University before moving into what was a house at 1429 Hill Street in 1942. The house was replaced by a large building in 1951 and that building, in turn, was replaced by the present Mandell L. Berman Center in 1988.

Michigan Hillel’s history matches the remarkable changes in the University and the times of the nation during its more than eight decades on campus. From its earliest days Hillel played a significant role in campus life, serving not only the religious needs of the campus Jewish community but also providing a center for social, political, and artistic expression. In 1937, The Hillel Players produced the first play of an undergraduate by the name of Arthur Miller. During the Vietnam War years, Hillel was the locus of much of the campus debate and political action. In the 1980s Hillel began to play a major role in the intellectual and cultural life of the University with the launching of programs like Consider Magazine, Residence Hall Repertory Theater Company, and the Golden Apple Award. In 2012, the TAMID Israel Investment Group incubated through Michigan Hillel and has now launched as a national organization with an international presence.

Today, the University of Michigan is widely regarded as one of the best schools in the country for Jewish students and our Hillel has played a major role in this national reputation. With our emphasis on student leadership and student-driven initiatives, Michigan Hillel has grown to house and support 40+ student groups.