Program Director

Hillel at the University of South Florida

Role Overview

The Hillel Jewish Student Center at the University of South Florida is seeking a passionate, energetic, and entrepreneurial professional to serve as our next Program Director. This role is ideal for a creative leader with strong organizational skills, a deep commitment to Jewish identity, and a talent for engaging students in meaningful Jewish experiences.

You will bring strategy, innovation, and joy to the daily life of Hillel—building programs, relationships, and leadership opportunities that reflect our mission: to ensure every Jewish student at USF feels engaged, embraced, and empowered.

Executive Summary

We’re looking for a thoughtful, driven, and joyful team player who takes their work seriously but not themselves. The right candidate will connect with as many Jewish students as possible bringing both creativity and warmth to their work.

At USF Hillel, we believe Judaism and Jewish identity are meaningful and relevant on their own terms. We do Jewish—just Jewish. We are a mission-driven organization focused on engaging, embracing and empowering Jewish Students—unapologetically and without distraction.

We believe Hillel is among the holiest work in the Jewish community. We also believe it should be the most fun.

If you share this vision, we’d love to welcome you to the team.

Key Responsibilities

Student Engagement & Program Development

• Build relationships with Jewish students across all levels of involvement.
• Partner with students to envision and implement vibrant Jewish life on campus.
• Develop entry points to engage students with Jewish learning, culture, and tradition.
• Lead Shabbat and holiday experiences that are welcoming, meaningful, and student-centered.
• Manage and track the USF Hillel programming budget.

Leadership Development

• Mentor student leaders and empower them to take ownership of Jewish life on campus.
• Promote student-led initiatives that foster ownership, leadership, and community.
• Facilitate immersive learning, travel, and advocacy opportunities, including Birthright Israel.

Strategic Vision & Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Suncoast Hillel team to align with long-term strategic goals.
• Collect, analyze, and report student engagement data and program impact.
• Strengthen partnerships with University departments, faculty, student organizations, and the Tampa Jewish community.
• Serve as a visible Jewish presence on campus, advocating for students and fostering inclusion.

Communications & Outreach

• Collaborate on social media and digital communications to build Hillel’s visibility.
• Create written content and program reports for stakeholders, donors, and community partners.
• Cultivate relationships with parents, alumni, board members, and community supporters.

Administration & Teamwork

• Participate in regular team meetings and supervision with the Suncoast Hillel staff.
• Coordinate logistics for programs, including vendors, venues, and supplies.
• Support Hillel operations during evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years of relevant professional experience (Jewish nonprofit, education, student life, or engagement).
• Strong Jewish knowledge base and comfort with Jewish culture, history, and holidays.
• Experience with Israel travel or living in Israel required.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with campus culture and a passion for helping students grow.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and social media platforms.
• Flexibility, resilience, warmth, common sense, and a good sense of humor.

Compensation & Benefits

• The salary range for this role is $45,000 - $55,000, commensurate with experience. 
• Health insurance, retirement plan, life and disability insurance.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and Jewish holiday time off.
• Professional development opportunities and mentoring support.
• Regional and international travel, including to Israel.
• Unlimited coffee dates with students and a fun, purpose-driven team environment.

About Hillel at USF

Hillel at the University of South Florida is part of Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, a multi-campus Hillel serving USF, University of Tampa, USF–St. Petersburg, New College of Florida, and Florida Southern. We are proud to empower students to build Jewish community, deepen their identities, and grow as leaders.

Our mission is simple: to help every Jewish student find a home, a purpose, and a joyful connection to Jewish life. 

Hillels of the Florida Suncoast 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.