Director of Jewish Life

University of Chicago Hillel

Overview

UChicago Hillel provides the opportunity for participation in a diverse and pluralistic Jewish community through programming and opportunities to inspire students on the University of Chicago's campus to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life and learning. UChicago Hillel is a campus hub for student leadership development and spiritual, educational, cultural, and social connectivity. Both inside the Hillel building and on the broader campus, Hillel is committed to ensuring a warm, welcoming, community for students in their Jewish home away from home.

UChicago Hillel seeks a dynamic and thoughtful team member with a talent for managing staff, programs, and operations to serve as its next Director of Jewish Student Life (DJSL). Reporting to and working closely alongside the Executive Director, the DJSL will be responsible for initiating and executing a wide variety of programming that fulfills the core values articulated by the Hillel community. The DJSL will also support the work of staff and student leaders both undergraduate and graduate, implementing both small-group and large-scale programs and initiatives. This position reports to the Executive Director to establish specific goals and evaluate progress on an ongoing basis.

The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, is a self-starter with knowledge of program planning and implementation, has an independent and task-oriented work style, and is enthusiastic about cultivating interpersonal relationships and rapport with diverse Jewish student populations.

(If you are interested in the position but don't meet all the qualifications exactly, please do apply!)

Key Responsibilities

Lead implementation of Hillel’s programmatic and educational vision and offerings. Facilitate cohorts of student leaders towards creating transformational experiences towards meeting the needs of every Jewish student on campus.

Oversee and implement strategy for creating and maintaining an inviting atmosphere in the Hillel building. Take responsibility for ensuring that essential supplies and services are accessible for staff and communities within the building.

Supervise and support program staff, working as a team to meet the broadest needs of the Hillel community.

Execute and manage all elements of impactful holiday, learning, and social experiences in partnership with student leaders and staff serving students from all backgrounds.

Encourage a pluralistic approach to religious expression through Shabbat and holiday observances on campus

Strategically network with students and campus leaders and partners to create relationships and build Hillel’s connections in the community.

Participate in weekly staff meetings and ongoing professional development

Qualifications & Skills

Bachelor’s degree required

3-5 years of work experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector

Experience supervising professional staff and/or volunteers

Comfort working independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders

Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn from taking risks

Proactive and self-driven work style

Knowledge of Jewish community, culture, heritage, and traditions

Passion for Jewish life, pluralism, and Israel

Commitment to the Jewish growth of college-aged students

Capacity to be adaptable and responsive in a fast-paced and fluid office

Willingness to work flexible hours needed to complete job requirements, including some nights, weekends, and holidays

Ability to travel occasionally, including potential for international travel

University of Chicago Hillel is affiliated with Jewish United Fund and 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.

What You’ll Receive

Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $53,000-$58,000

A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurances, Flexible Spending accounts, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave.

Great professional development, mentoring, and skill building opportunities

Plenty of Hillel and university schwag