The Remaking of Hillel: A Case Study on Leadership and Organizational Transformation

Publication Date: January 2006

Publisher: Fisher-Bernstein Institute for Jewish Philanthropy and Leadership; Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies

Author(s): Mark I. Rosen

Research Area: Culture and religion; Education

Keywords: Management; Campus Organizations; Jewish Youth

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, founded in 1923, today provides support to more than 250 affiliates that serve Jewish university students around the world. The organization underwent a dramatic transformation during Richard Joel's tenure as International Director. Beginning in 1988, Joel articulated a vision for the organization and recast its mission, structure, governance, personnel, programming, and funding. By 1995, Hillel was, for all intents and purposes, a new organization. The Remaking of Hillel: A Case Study on Leadership and Organizational Transformation begins in the period prior to Joel’s appointment and extends through 1995. It recounts the decisions and events of those years and invites the reader to analyze the story through various theoretical frames. Case Analysis by Amy L. Sales.