Executive Director 

George Mason University Hillel

Role Overview

As the Executive Director for George Mason University (Mason) Hillel, you will be responsible for leading this dynamic organization as it continues to implement a new strategic plan that serves George Mason University students, Northern Virginia Community College students, and all college-age and college-stage individuals in Northern Virginia. You’ll approach each day genuinely excited about creating a network of Jewish life that inspires individuals to explore, experience, and lead vibrant Jewish lives. Within the context of a thriving Northern Virginia community and based at one of the nation’s top research institutions and Virginia’s largest public university, Mason Hillel is uniquely positioned to serve a growing population with the support of the University and the local Jewish community. 

The Executive Director will implement an innovative plan and create new strategies that prioritize serving all college-age and college-stage individuals in Northern Virginia in partnership with key stakeholders and organizations. You will inspire staff to think outside the box and beyond the geographic boundaries of a college campus, helping to develop key resources that keep students at the center of the work. You’ll be excellent in this role if you are a self-starter, an excellent storyteller, take the initiative, and are passionate about sharing the strategic vision for your Hillel, developing human and financial resources, supporting and advocating for students, and strengthening the ties between Hillel and your community.

What You’ll Do

Strategy & Vision

• Implement, continually refine, and innovate the action plan to support Mason Hillel’s strategic vision, positioning the organization as a leader in the Northern Virginia Jewish community in serving all college-age and college-stage individuals. 
• Inspire and organize pluralistic, diverse Jewish life on and off campus. 
• Connect Mason Hillel to regional and national initiatives and opportunities through deep partnerships with Hillel International and regional partners. 
• Have a deep understanding of campus culture and the wider Jewish community, and what makes Mason Hillel unique. Bridge and develop strategic relationships with University departments and student organizations.

Stakeholder and External Relations

• Exhibit exceptional organizational and communal leadership by cultivating relationships with all stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, student and university leaders, Jewish community leaders in Northern Virginia, and beyond, as well as alumni and parents. 
• Work with strong university partners and external organizational partners to support efforts to ensure that Jewish students feel safe and have a place in the campus environment. 

Fundraising & Fiscal Management

• Demonstrate leadership in financial resource development and cultivate stakeholders who will help you achieve your goals, including lay leadership, foundations, community members, and local organizations.  
• Oversee Mason Hillel’s operations and fiscal management.  Sustain Mason Hillel’s recent growth in financial resources while continuing to expand the organization and meet the evolving needs of students and the community. 
• Serve as a persuasive spokesperson and passionate storyteller for Mason Hillel in a way that appeals to and inspires diverse audiences.

Engagement, Student Life, and Staff Management

• Supervise and work with a growing staff team to develop strategies that expand the base of the Jewish student community, both on and off campus, encompassing a diverse range of Jewish backgrounds and interests.
• Develop, nurture, and effectively manage a multi-dimensional organizational structure to realize organizational goals. 
• Connect individually and meaningfully with students, providing mentorship to support their ongoing Jewish journey. 
• Continuously evaluate and adapt to the changing needs of Jewish college students, navigating campus climate and issues related to exploring Jewish identity and remaining focused on student transformation that goes beyond the number of students engaged. 
• Act as a leader and convener of the community during times of celebration and challenge. Advocate for and support students in creating a positive campus and community environment that fosters Jewish life and Israel engagement.
• Demonstrated skill in facilitating conversations about Judaism and Israel in a way that is approachable and meets students at various points in their personal Jewish journey.

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience, with at least 2-4 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 strategic planning, team management, financial resource development, stakeholder relations, and inspiring pluralistic Jewish life.
• Strong supervision skills to manage and inspire a staff team to accomplish organizational goals.
• Exemplary executive leadership with strong visionary and strategic skills.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, willingness to take risks, and learn from experiences.
• Masterful relationship-building skills and ability to connect with college-age and college-stage individuals. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proactive attitude towards communication and collaboration.
• Expertise in leading complex conversations with a diversity of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skill in facilitating conversations about Judaism and Israel in a way that is approachable and meets students at various points in their personal Jewish journey. 
• Ability to create a space for diverse perspectives and ensure all student voices are heard.
• Creative problem-solving and inspiring presence.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary in the non-profit marketplace in the range of $110,000 - $130,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package, 403(b) retirement plan, LTD, Vacation/Sick paid time off, and paid parental leave.
• Relocation assistance is available.
• Paid professional development opportunities, including conferences and regional meetings.
• 100% paid travel regionally and abroad, particularly to Israel.

About George Mason University Hillel

For over 30 years, Mason Hillel has been serving the 1,000 Jewish students at and affiliated with George Mason University and providing a safe, welcoming, and exciting community full of Jewish life, joy, exploration, learning, and Israel. We strive to build a Hillel where every Jewish student feels seen, heard, and connected. Mason Hillel is currently implementing a strategic plan that focuses on supporting two distinct yet complementary portfolios to support GMU students, Northern Virginia Community College students, and all Jewish college-age/stage individuals in Northern Virginia.  The Jewish community of Northern Virginia is the largest and fastest-growing in the Washington, DC metro area.

George Mason University 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.