Operations Manager

Brown RISD Hillel

Role Overview

Brown RISD Hillel is seeking an organized, warm, hands-on Operations Manager to help power Jewish life on College Hill. Week in and week out, students fill our building for Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, classes, art openings, and social gatherings. The Operations Manager makes all of this possible: partnering with program staff and student leaders to turn ideas into high-impact events; giving our staff and student leaders the space, supplies, and support they need to do their best work; and ensuring that our building is attractive, welcoming, and safe for students, families, alumni, donors, and guests.

The role spans three areas: supporting programs and events, from weekly Shabbat to Commencement; supporting staff, including the student workers and the kitchen, custodial, and security staff who keep BRH running; and managing a safe and inviting facility. The Operations Manager works closely with BRH colleagues, our partners at Brown and RISD, and outside vendors and contractors.

The Operations Manager reports to Brown RISD Hillel's Director of Finance & Administration. The role requires regular Friday evening coverage and occasional weekends. The workload is heaviest during the academic year, with lighter periods during university breaks and the summer.

Key Responsibilities

Programs and Events

• Plan and execute event logistics, including catering, room setups and breakdowns, staffing, linens, technology, security, and check-in.
• Help program staff and student leaders bring their ideas to life, from early logistics planning through execution on the day.
• Partner with Brown Dining and local caterers on menu planning, ordering, and service for Shabbat, holidays, and special events.
• Create the building and holiday calendar in consultation with the Brown and RISD academic calendars, the Jewish calendar, and BRH senior leadership, and oversee internal space reservations and external rentals.

Staff and Administration

• Create shift schedules and assignments for front desk security staff, kitchen staff, check-in and setup crews, and student employees, and recruit and hire additional staff as needed, partnering with the Director of Finance & Administration on HR matters.
• Carry out BRH's annual health and safety plan with the Director of Finance & Administration: train staff on safety and emergency procedures, schedule trainings with subject-matter experts (CPR/AED, first aid, Stop the Bleed, fire safety, situational awareness), and keep the attendance records the Director uses to track mandatory trainings.
• Order, stock, and track inventory of office, kitchen, and program supplies.
• Manage vendor relationships and service contracts; gather quotes, route invoices and rental payments, and track building, security, and event spending, working with the Director of Finance & Administration to stay within budget and find cost savings.
• Serve as liaison with Campus Life IT for staff computer hardware, software, and printing needs.

Facilities and Security

• Oversee preventive maintenance, annual inspections, and special cleanings; submit and follow up on work orders with Brown Facilities and vendors; and conduct a weekly building walkthrough to catch issues early.
• Direct custodial staff on daily tasks and special assignments, and keep the kitchen in compliance, including health inspections, food safety logs, and sanitation testing.
• Serve as the main point of contact for all security matters, working closely with Brown Public Safety and our other security partners to keep students, staff, and guests safe.
• Keep the building on the correct access schedule for academic, holiday, and summer periods; review staff card access each semester; and serve as the main contact for the alarm system.
• Work with BRH's Facilities Committee and project manager to provide onsite coordination for capital improvement projects, including scheduling work around programs and events, managing building access for contractors, and keeping staff and students informed.

Team Contributions

• Be an active, collaborative member of the BRH team and help build a positive workplace culture.
• Take on special projects and other duties as needed to advance BRH's mission.

What You’ve Accomplished

• Three to five years of related professional experience in operations, event management, facilities, hospitality, or nonprofit administration.
• Excellent supervision skills and a track record of coaching others to achieve outcomes.
• Success managing multiple projects at once while maintaining quality.
• Experience with vendor management, invoice processing, and working within a budget.

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and a warm, service-minded approach to students, staff, and guests.
• A self-starter's drive and the ability to work well as part of a team.
• A cool head under pressure.
• Comfort with technology, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and online registration tools.
• Familiarity with or curiosity about Jewish life and culture, including the requirements of Shabbat and kashrut observance.
• Availability for Friday evenings, occasional weekends, and on-call event needs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and help with event setup and breakdown.

What You’ll Receive

• Salary: $55,000-$65,000, depending on experience.
• Benefits: A comprehensive package including health insurance, retirement plan, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, generous vacation and sick time, and parental leave.
• Growth: Strong professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.

About Brown RISD Hillel

Brown RISD Hillel is a hub for Jewish life on College Hill. Every year, more than a thousand Jewish students – and hundreds of their non-Jewish peers – pass through our doors to experience Jewish practice, culture, and community.

Through holiday and Shabbat celebrations, cultural events, classes, art openings, and social gatherings, BRH is helping the next generation of American Jews become more confident, committed, and connected.

Brown RISD Hillel 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.