IACT Israel & Engagement Associate

Santa Barbara Hillel

Role Overview

Make your mark on Jewish student life and join Santa Barbara Hillel as our full-time IACT Israel & Engagement Associate. IACT (Inspired, Active, Committed, Transformed) is an initiative that builds on the success of Taglit–Birthright Israel by providing support and inspiration to students before and after their trip. This is accomplished by developing activities to engage students in Jewish life on campus, by encouraging them to become involved as leaders and participants in student-organized Jewish programming and groups, and by directing them to and facilitating their participation in existing Israel-related opportunities on and off campus.

This is a unique opportunity for someone skilled in relationship building, marketing, event planning, and program development. The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate previous success in community-building and implementing creative ideas.

What You’ll Do

• Manage and expand Santa Barbara Hillel’s Birthright Israel program, which includes recruitment, interviews, pre-trip orientations, and improving the trip experience.
• Engage Birthright Israel participants in continued campus activities and Jewish life, such as in the areas of Israel education/advocacy, community service, and Jewish life and learning.
• Cultivate Birthright Israel alumni to be active communal participants.
• Empower students to develop strategic relationships regarding Israel with other student groups on campus.
• Support and oversee student-initiated programs related to Israel and Jewish Life; attend programs when appropriate as a member of the Hillel staff team (including evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays).
• Serve as the primary staff support for all current Israel related student groups.
• Develop individual relationships with students to further their passion for Israel and motivate them as they advocate for Israel.
• Develop and implement a strategic blueprint for Israel engagement.
• Increase awareness on current Israel topics.
• Maintain records of events and attendance for measurement and ongoing evaluation, as well as website, weekly emails, and social media.
• Collaborate with and enhance programming with our student groups, including tracking and evaluating progress to show growth.
• Cultivate one-on-one connections with Jewish students by using creative methods to reach them and form authentic relationships.
• Participate as a member of the Hillel staff team in weekly programs, Shabbat, and holiday activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who You Are

• You have a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent and 0-2 years of professional experience.
• You have significant knowledge of and experience with Israel and Judaism, including prior travel experience in Israel.
• You have experience in sales or recruiting, either through a job, campus organization, or volunteering.
• You can manage projects with many moving parts, set timetables, and adhere to deadlines.
• You are a relationship builder. You are constantly meeting new people and are interested in learning about them and their passions.
• You are an active listener with strong oral, written, and non-verbal communication skills.
• You can think creatively and inspire students to do the same.
• You can work flexible hours to complete job requirements, including some nights, weekends, and holidays.
• You are confident in taking initiative and running programs, and are comfortable asking questions.
• You are willing to admit what you don’t know and are excited to learn in those areas.
• You are passionate and excited about helping college students learn about Israel and understand that each student will connect with Israel differently

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this position is $44,000 - $50,000
• 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.
• Professional development and skill-building opportunities
• A network of terrific colleagues from across the Hillel movement.
• High-level professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities with a cohort of fellow IACT professionals from across North America.
• Travel regionally and abroad, particularly to Israel, multiple times per year

About Santa Barbara Hillel

Santa Barbara Hillel is situated in the stunning coastal city of Santa Barbara, a location ninety minutes north of Los Angeles known as the “American Riviera.” Famous for its beautiful beaches, a climate reminiscent of Tel Aviv, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Santa Barbara boasts a welcoming and dynamic Jewish community that presents exciting possibilities for personal and professional development.

The Jewish student community here – the largest in the University of California system – is diverse, fun-loving, intelligent, and active. At Santa Barbara Hillel, we are cultivating an inclusive, pluralistic, and engaging atmosphere in which even more students can explore and deepen their connection to Jewish life.

Santa Barbara 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.