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Director of Wellness & Student Engagement at Hillel at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
$55k – $70k/yr Madison, US on-site full time director 20d ago
Skills
About this role
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.
Offices: Madison, Wisconsin, United States (Hillel at the University of Wisconsin);