Executive Director

To apply, please submit your resume to the Federation CJA Human Resources department, by email, to [email protected].

Role Overview

Hillel Montreal is searching for an engaging and passionate Executive Director to lead the organization through a robust stage of growth. With the potential to impact 6,000+ Jewish students across Montreal on university and CEGEP campuses, this person will lead with bold vision and contagious enthusiasm to grow Hillel’s reach. The Executive Director will work in partnership with an engaged lay leadership committee, build and support a talented team, inspire students, seek out community and university partnerships, manage operations and finances, set a vision for dynamic programming, and spearhead exciting fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate is a natural relationship-builder with a passion for community engagement and a track record of successful leadership. This leader will possess exceptional managerial skills, deep Jewish knowledge, and a strong commitment to the Montreal Jewish community, Jewish peoplehood, and Israel.

What You’ll Do

Vision and Leadership

• Develop and promote a bold vision for Jewish campus life that will attract and invest in the diverse and expansive Montreal Jewish student community across CEGEP, universities, and off-campus spaces, including growth to French-speaking communities
• Seek out and steward relationships with a wide array of key stakeholders, including students, staff, administration, faculty, parents, alumni, foundation partners and donors, community leaders, and key Federation CJA and CIJA staff
• Ensure and uphold a vision of community and Israel engagement that is rooted in strong pro-Israel values, providing an important space for collaboration, discussion, education, and meaningful partnerships on issues of importance to Jewish students and the wider community.
• Hold a deep understanding of campus climate issues and Jewish student needs and identity development, and advocate on behalf of the student community
• Work closely with community and Federation CJA partners to encourage investment in the leadership of students, and greater student and alumni engagement in Montreal Jewish community organizations

Lay Leadership Engagement and Governance

• Work in partnership with a committed group of lay leaders and support their ability to fulfill their governance responsibilities, including strategic planning, policy development, fundraising, and financial oversight
• Engage and support lay leaders to fundraise on behalf of the organization
• Empower lay leaders to act as community ambassadors of Hillel Montreal to increase the visibility and presence of the organization in the Montreal Jewish community 

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Design, lead, and execute Hillel’s fundraising efforts, including individual donor stewardship, grant writing, and seasonal campaigns
• Cultivate relationships with major donors and community partners to ensure financial sustainability and growth.
• Develop new parent and alumni engagement and donor opportunities
• Oversee all aspects of the organization’s financial management, including budgeting and financial reporting.

Student Leadership and Engagement

• Build strong relationships with and serve as a mentor to diverse Jewish students and student leaders across campus
• Position Hillel as a trusted space for students to bring their concerns around antisemitism and anti-Israel activities to feel supported and empowered
• Ensure Hillel is a warm, welcoming home-away-from-home for students to find food, friends, community, and personal growth
• Work in partnership with Federation CJA and CIJA to support students to advocate for their rights on campus
• Ensure students’ Jewish life and religious needs are met by offering access to kosher food, rituals, and meaningful Jewish learning
• Offer leadership and engagement training and support that will empower Jewish students to feel ownership to design and offer programming that will engage their peers in community

Staff Support

• Supervise and support a diverse professional staff team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and student engagement strategies.
• Attract and retain high quality professional staff through implementation of strong onboarding, human resources support, and professional development
• Foster a culture of communication, collaboration, growth, and accountability within the staff.

Community and University Relations

• Collaborate and work in close partnership with Federation CJA and CIJA, in particular around advocacy-related issues
• Seek out partnerships with other student groups, leaders, and allies
• Build relationships with university administration to ensure the needs of Jewish students are understood and met
• Strengthen relationships with faculty and faculty organizations
• Work with campus and community security to prioritize the safety of Jewish students
• Work with a broad spectrum of communal leaders and partner with local Jewish organizations, synagogues, and Jewish professionals to bolster support and increase opportunities for Jewish students on campus

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• A bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of professional work experience, at least two in a senior management position with supervision experience
• Visionary leadership, with the innate ability to inspire students, staff, and other key stakeholders.
• A warm and supportive presence that will help staff, students, donors, and lay leaders feel appreciated
• Proven fundraising experience and strategies to grow the organization
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including planning, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization
• Demonstrated financial management experience for a non-profit organization, professionally or in a volunteer capacity
• Ability to manage diverse staff, student, and stakeholder interests
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills
•  A strong commitment to the Montreal Jewish community, Jewish peoplehood, and Israel.
• Deep Jewish knowledge and the ability to infuse Jewish values into your leadership and messaging
• A high degree of integrity and a commitment to transparency

Consideration of exceptional candidates with diverse professional experience may include rabbis, business leaders, Jewish educators, and Jewish professionals.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary and benefits package in the non-profit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $170,000 CAD, depending on experience.
• Professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.
• Advocacy and community support from Federation CJA and CIJA
• Supportive and committed lay leaders as partners.
• Dedicated campus support from Hillel International. 

About Hillel Montreal

Hillel Montreal enriches the lives of over 6,500 Jewish students at three major universities, four CEGEP campuses, and off-campus locations throughout the Greater Montreal Area. Hillel Montreal connects students to Jewish life on their own terms and develops student leadership skills to equip tomorrow’s leaders today. Hillel Montreal supports and facilitates student driven initiatives that promote Jewish values and create community through grassroots programming, learning, immersive experiences, and volunteer initiatives. The organization’s base of operations is in a central location in downtown Montreal in a newly renovated building. Hillel Montreal is deeply committed to fostering a sense of Jewish pride and belonging so that Jewish students feel empowered to be joyful, passionate and resilient while building an enduring relationship with Jewish values and tradition, Montreal Jewish community, and Israel.

Hillel’s Mission: To enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. 

Hillel’s Vision: We envision a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.