Role Overview
Join the Syracuse Hillel team as the Director of Operations. This key role ensures the operational success of Syracuse Hillel while providing an excellent experience for students, staff, and stakeholders. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations will collaborate with the entire staff team to achieve operational excellence. You’ll oversee administrative processes, support campus operations, and manage the 16,000 sq. ft. Winnick Hillel Center. This position is ideal for a motivated professional ready to contribute to a dynamic and growing team dedicated to supporting Syracuse University’s 2,500 Jewish students.
What You’ll Do
Operations Management
- Oversee accounts payable and receivable, payroll, monthly reconciliations, and financial forecasting.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and contracted bookkeeping company to develop budgets, ensure smooth accounting and reporting processes.
- Provide program support for key events, including Shabbat, High Holidays, Passover, and FreshFest.
- Book travel for conferences and events.
Human Resources & Staff Operations
- Hire and supervise work-study and part-time employees.
- Manage contracts and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective operations.
- Oversee HR functions such as hiring administration, onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance with employment policies.
Building Management
- Coordinate building operations with the University building supervisor.
- Oversee kitchen and relationship with dining services, including kashrut (Kosher supervision) with the support of the Campus Rabbi.
- Manage the Winnick Hillel Center master calendar and event bookings.
- Track and order office and facility supplies.
- Oversee scheduling, security coordination, and logistical support for internal and external events.
Board & Institutional Support
- Work with the Executive Director to support the Board of Governors and Board committees, including managing meeting logistics, communications, minutes, and reports.
- Represent operations in cross-functional initiatives and institutional partnerships, including with Syracuse University, vendors, and community organizations.
- Maintain and reconcile constituent information within the University advancement database.
- Ensure the timely flow of donation receipts and reconciliation with university advancement.
What You’ve Accomplished
- Approximately 6+ years of professional work experience.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Proficiency with CRMs, QuickBooks, Excel, or similar software programs.
- Proven track record of leading operations, managing budgets, supervising staff, and implementing systems in a mission-driven environment.
- Familiarity with event planning, customer service, or campus operations is a plus.
- Experience in community organizing, Hillel, youth movements, camping, or experiential Jewish education is a plus.
What You’ll Bring to the Job
- Strong organizational and management skills to unify and support the team.
- Familiarity with higher education or campus settings.
- High-level customer service and relationship management skills.
- Familiarity and comfort with basic Jewish customs, rituals, and traditions.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving and communication.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and external partners.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
What You’ll Receive
- Competitive salary in the non-profit marketplace - $75,000 - $90,000.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave.
- Professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.
- Access to regional and national travel opportunities as relevant.
About Syracuse Hillel
Syracuse Hillel empowers students to become the next generation of Jewish leaders as they nurture and strengthen their Jewish identity, connection to the Jewish people, and the State of Israel. Hillel cultivates the potential within students to live a meaningful and productive life guided by Jewish values and wisdom. Syracuse Hillel has gone through unprecedented growth over the past several years. The partnerships with Syracuse University stem from the highest levels of support from the Chancellor, Dean of Hendricks Chapel, and administration to ensure Hillel’s success. Syracuse Hillel also benefits from strong partnership with the Jewish Federation of Central New York and with Hillel International, which provides resources and leadership to help Syracuse Hillel achieve excellence. Syracuse Hillel engages between 40-50% of the 2,500 Jewish undergraduate students at Syracuse University.
Syracuse has an accessible and engaged Jewish community that supports a Jewish day school, JCC, Jewish Home, Reform temple, two Conservative synagogues, and an Orthodox synagogue. There is kosher food sold at multiple supermarkets.
Syracuse experiences all four seasons, and there may be snow on the ground any time between November and May. Fall is filled with beautiful trees, apple picking, and crisp nature walks. Winter is skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor winter sports. Springtime is farmer’s markets, blooming flowers, and hikes. Summer is lakes, waterfalls, and festivals (including the NYS Fair!). These are just some of the benefits of living in the gorgeous Finger Lakes region.
About Hillel International
In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, 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.