Operations Manager at American University Hillel

Operations Manager

American University Hillel

Role Overview

Make your mark on Jewish student life as American University Hillel’s first Operations Manager. You’ll power Hillel by facilitating a smooth transition into our new on-campus center and by overseeing a wide range of critical operational, finance, and facility-related functions.

AU Hillel has experienced dramatic growth over the past decade and, as we prepare to move into our first dedicated home, it’s more important than ever that we carry out our mission with effectiveness, efficiency, professionalism, and purpose. In this role, you will implement and steward the processes and systems that make it possible for Hillel to foster vibrant Jewish life and community.  

As Operations Manager, you will report to the Executive Director, work closely with the entire professional staff, and interact with students on a daily basis. You will be an integral part of our team, helping to create a welcoming and well-functioning environment where students can connect, grow, and thrive.

This is an in-person role with some flexibility for remote work at certain times of year. Limited evening and weekend availability is required to support major events. Workload is typically heavier during the academic year, with lighter periods during university breaks and summer months.

Desired start date: January 2027

What You’ll Do

Administration

• Serve as first point of contact for inquiries and visitors
• Maintain organizational calendars, meeting schedules, and facility reservations
• Manage all purchasing and coordinate with vendors
• Provide logistical support for the staff team, including attending occasional student and stakeholder events
• Manage payroll and benefit administration
• Identify and manage information technology needs for the organization

Facility

• Manage transition into the new Trone Family Center for Jewish Life, including operational timelines, coordination with university facilities and IT teams, and space optimization strategies
• Oversee the maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and functionality of the facility, engaging with the university facilities team and outside vendors as needed
• Maintain appropriate inventory of all supplies
• Facilitate event set up and break down
• Ensure that the Trone Center is a consistently welcoming, attractive, safe, and student-focused gathering space

Finance and Advancement

• Work with staff to ensure all income and expenditures are correctly handled and documented
• Manage all accounts payable and receivable
• Organize financial information, liaising with external bookkeeper and accountant as needed
• Partner with Executive Director in preparing reports for the Board of Directors
• Manage gift processing and acknowledgement
• Support Executive Director and Development Manager with stakeholder correspondence and donor relations
• Provide logistical support for fundraising events and initiatives
• Maintain donor database

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in operations, administration, nonprofit management, office management, or related fields
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Experience in financial management and bookkeeping, human resources, and/or facility management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, successfully managing multiple priorities
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills
• Strong technological proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, customer relationship management systems, and QuickBooks
• Bachelor’s degree required

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary in the non-profit marketplace; salary range for this role is $50,000-$60,000, commensurate with experience
• A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, pension plan, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave
• Great professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities

About American University Hillel

American University Hillel enriches the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. We engage more than 1,500 students each year through Shabbat and holiday celebrations, community-building initiatives, Jewish learning, leadership development, and by fostering strong individual relationships. Our Hillel is in the midst of the $7 million Campaign for the Future of Jewish Life at AU, and we are scheduled to open the new Trone Family Center for Jewish Life in spring 2027. The Operations Manager will play a vital role in helping the organization enter an exciting new era.

Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private institution with approximately 7,500 undergraduates. AU students are driven and engaged with the world: the university has repeatedly been ranked as the most politically active in the country (Princeton Review), students intern at a higher rate than at nearly any other university (U.S. News & World Report), and most undergraduates study abroad. AU is home to the largest international relations school in the country, nationally ranked programs in business and public affairs, and excellent facilities including a well-regarded art museum. The campus has been listed among the most beautiful in the nation and is a designated arboretum.

American 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.

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.