Manager of Special Initiatives at Harvard Hillel

Manager of Special Initiatives Harvard Hillel

Harvard Hillel seeks an exceptional professional to lead high-visibility, high-impact, fast-paced, key initiatives on campus. The core focus is to grow The Camel, a student-led initiative launched in 2024 backed by leading figures in business and Jewish philanthropy. The Camel has grown to welcome nearly 2,000 students across more than 20 events and a three-day Hackathon, and aims to scale to additional campuses with stronger ties to Israeli innovation ecosystems.

This inaugural full-time position (approximately 40 hours per week) will work with student leaders and staff to ensure excellence in finance, operations, stakeholder relations, and program delivery. The role also secondarily supports Harvard College Israel Trek, a selective 10-day spring-break trip for 100 undergraduates, with dedicated professional support to maintain its excellence and impact.

Actions at Harvard set precedents across higher education. This is a rare opportunity to shape high-impact portfolios at a pivotal moment. The position reports to the director of development, with primary focus on The Camel and secondary focus on the Trek.

Camel;
Financial Management, Operations and Relationship Stewardship

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., Donor Perfect, Quick Books, 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

Harvard College Israel Trek:
Program Operations & Stewardship

Provide professional leadership and operational support for Harvard Hillel’s flagship peer-led Israel experience.

• 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

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of…