Director of Wellness & Student Engagement

Hillel at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Background

About Hillel at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

With nearly 5,000 Jewish students on campus, UW Hillel is among the largest and most dynamic Hillels in the country. Our home — the Barbara Hochberg Center for Jewish Student Life — includes the Adamah Café, the Sinaiko Family Wellness Center, and vibrant spaces for connection, creativity, and community.

We believe in the power of connection: helping students discover meaning, joy, and belonging through Jewish life. Our work spans spirituality, culture, wellness, social life, and leadership development — all rooted in a commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive campus community.

The Sinaiko Family Wellness Center

The Sinaiko Wellness Center is a flagship and rapidly growing initiative at UW Hillel — a hub for student well-being that integrates social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness with Jewish life and meaning. Through innovative programming, partnerships, and student leadership, the Center is redefining what it means for Hillel to be a leader in campus wellness.

The Position 

Hillel at the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks a Director of Wellness & Student Engagement  a relational, creative, and mission-driven leader who will shape and scale one of the most innovative wellness initiatives in Jewish campus life.

This role sits at the intersection of student engagement and holistic well-being, leading the vision, strategy, and execution of wellness-centered experiences that deepen connection and belonging.

As a key member of the program team, the Director will:

• Serve as the driving force behind the Sinaiko Wellness Center
• Build meaningful relationships with students across campus
• Design high-impact programs that integrate wellness, Jewish life, and community
• Partner across teams to ensure wellness is embedded throughout the student experience

This is a unique opportunity to define a flagship initiative, build a visible presence on campus, and directly shape the daily lives of hundreds of students.

Role Overview

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the vision, strategy, and growth of the Wellness Center as a core pillar of student life at UW Hillel
• Translate Hillel’s mission into wellness-centered experiences that foster connection, resilience, and belonging
• Develop clear goals, systems, and metrics to measure student engagement and impact
• Partner with senior leadership to align wellness initiatives with broader organizational priorities

Student Engagement & Relationship Building

• Serve as a highly visible and accessible presence — building authentic relationships with a wide range of students
• Engage students through 1:1 conversations, small group experiences, and campus-wide programming
• Identify, mentor, and empower student leaders to shape and lead wellness initiatives
• Model a relational approach that prioritizes listening, inclusion, and community-building

Program Development & Execution

• Design and implement a diverse portfolio of wellness programs, including emotional and physical wellness, social connection and Jewish learning experiences (i.e Yoga, Pilates, counseling, Dance, Krav Maga, Career wellbeing, fitness, basketball, nutrition and meditation, etc).
• Oversee signature initiatives, workshops, and collaborations that position Hillel as a leader in campus wellness
• Integrate wellness into broader Hillel programming — including Shabbat, holidays, and community events
• Continuously evaluate and refine programs to ensure relevance, accessibility, and impact

Campus & Community Partnerships

• Build strong partnerships with campus departments, student organizations, and wellness providers
• Represent Hillel in campus wellness coalitions and initiatives
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that expand reach and deepen impact
• Serve as a connector between Jewish life and the broader campus wellness ecosystem

Team Collaboration & Organizational Impact

• Collaborate closely with engagement, program, and communications staff to align outreach and messaging
• Contribute to a culture of creativity, accountability, and joy across the organization
• Support student engagement efforts across Hillel, beyond wellness-specific programming
• Ensure wellness is embedded as a core value across the student experience

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate brings a combination of relationship-building strength, programmatic creativity, and entrepreneurial drive.

Core Competencies

• Action Oriented – Brings energy, initiative, and follow-through in building new programs and relationships
• Communicates Effectively – Connects authentically with students and stakeholders across diverse audiences
• Drives Results – Translates vision into tangible, measurable outcomes
• Big Picture Thinking – Sees how wellness integrates into broader student life and institutional goals
• Collaborates – Builds strong partnerships across teams and campus
• Decision Quality – Exercises sound judgment in dynamic, student-centered environments

Who You Are

• A relational leader who thrives on connecting with students and building community
• Passionate about wellness, mental health, and holistic student development
• Creative and entrepreneurial — excited to build and grow a flagship initiative
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly social campus environment
• Skilled at designing meaningful experiences that resonate with students
• A strong collaborator who enjoys working across teams and disciplines
• Flexible and energized by campus life — including evenings and weekends

Qualifications

• 1–6+ years of relevant experience in student engagement, wellness, or related fields
• Experience in program design, facilitation, and relationship-based engagement
• Familiarity with Jewish life and comfort working in a pluralistic Jewish environment preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $55,000-$70,000 commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off
• Professional development and national network opportunities through Hillel International
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment

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.