Queens Hillel · 48 minutes ago
Manager of Special Initiatives at Harvard Hillel
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$65K/yr - $70K/yr
3+ years expHarvard Hillel is seeking an exceptional professional to lead high-visibility initiatives on campus. The Manager of Special Initiatives will focus on growing The Camel, a dynamic platform for Jewish and Israeli engagement, while also supporting the Harvard College Israel Trek, ensuring operational excellence and impactful programming.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary professional lead supporting The Camel, ensuring operational excellence, financial integrity, and strong relationships across a fast-paced, high-profile portfolio
Oversee all financial operations for The Camel, including budgeting, expense tracking, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting
Support the planning and execution of 3+ logistically complex, high-sophistication events per month, working closely with student leaders to ensure seamless delivery and mission alignment
Steward major gifts and expenses by processing and tracking donations in coordination with the fundraising team, ensuring accurate records and timely donor acknowledgment, coordinating payments to venues, vendors, speakers, and student leaders; ensure compliance with institutional systems and nonprofit standards
Prepare clear, regular financial and impact reports for student leadership, advisory board members, and key stakeholders and coordinate quarterly advisory board meetings with high-profile donors and business leaders, managing logistics, communications, and follow-up
Utilize financial management tools (e.g., DonorPerfect, QuickBooks, or similar systems) to maintain accurate, auditable records
Maintain ongoing touch points with Camel stakeholders—including donors, speakers, and advisors—tracking engagement and strengthening long-term relationships
Serve as liaison between Camel student leadership, Harvard Hillel administration, and external partners
Track program metrics and prepare impact reports for funders and institutional partners
Prepare financial reports for student leadership, advisory board, and key stakeholders
Support and advise student leaders throughout planning and execution of the Trek
Manage recruitment, communications, and application processes for a highly selective cohort of 100+ undergraduates
Coordinate participant selection, onboarding, pre-trip meetings, and ongoing communication with students and families
Interface with trip providers, speakers, and on-the-ground partners in Israel to ensure high-quality programming and logistics
Manage complex logistics, including visas, travel coordination, and real-time response to medical or travel emergencies
Collect and curate post-trip impact materials, including videos, testimonials, and participant assessments
Support Trek-related fundraising, donor stewardship, and cultivation events in Boston, San Francisco, and other key markets
Build and maintain a Trek alumni database to support long-term engagement and advocacy
Other duties as needed on special projects that contribute to Harvard Hillel’s broader institutional strategy to strengthen Jewish life
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of professional experience in finance, operations, nonprofit administration, or program management
Strong financial acumen: Experience managing budgets, processing payments, and producing clear financial reports
Proficiency with financial management software (QuickBooks, DonorPerfect, or equivalent)
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with precision and efficiency
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with students, major donors, and institutional partners
Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments where adaptability and problem-solving are essential
Sense of ownership and entrepreneurial mindset—someone who sees opportunities to build, improve, and scale systems
Availability to work flexible hours
Preferred
Previous experience in nonprofit or for profit finance or operations
Familiarity with university or Hillel systems and culture
Personal connection to Israel engagement or Jewish community
Experience working with high-level stakeholders and board members
Background in event logistics or program coordination
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package (health insurance, retirement plan, life/AD&D/LTD insurance, flexible spending accounts, generous vacation/sick time)
Unparalleled access to some of the most influential entrepreneurs and leaders in the Jewish and business worlds
Professional growth opportunities in a high-visibility role with direct exposure to major philanthropists and operational excellence
The chance to shape the infrastructure of a movement combating antisemitism and strengthening Jewish pride on elite campuses
Collaborative, mission-driven work environment at one of the most prestigious Hillels in North America
Company
Queens Hillel
As one of the most active student organizations on campus, Queens Hillel provides a wide array of social, cultural, educational, spiritual, and travel opportunities for one of the largest and most diverse Jewish student populations in the country.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase