Role Overview

Hillel of Colorado seeks a full-time University of Denver (DU) Hillel Jewish Student Life Director to lead DU Hillel students as they navigate these critical years. You will empower students to craft and implement strategies that engage and support diverse and pluralistic Jewish student life on a campus with about 500 Jewish undergraduate students and an equal number of Jewish graduate students.

As DU Hillel Jewish Student Life Director, you will be in charge of all student and university-facing activities at the DU Hillel, where students have strengthened their connection to Jewish life and found a warm, welcoming home-away-from-home for over half a century. Under your leadership and oversight, this student-run, staff-supported Hillel will continue striving toward the excellence you and your students will define. You will report to our Assistant Director of Hillel of Colorado - who will serve as your thought-partner and co-strategist - and you will be an integral part of a dynamic team housed at the Merage & Allon Hillel Center at DU and within our collaborative statewide structure.

This role may be a great fit for you if you’re excited to make an impact on Jewish leaders of today and tomorrow; if you bring strong Jewish cultural competency; if Hillel’s mission, vision, and goals resonate deeply with you; if you have the required skills and are committed to continuous professional growth; if you’re a compassionate team player who finds joy in inspiring others; and if you’re eager to contribute your expertise to strengthening our organizational culture.

What You’ll Do

• Lead DU Hillel – mentoring students while striving to be a positive model and connector for them, developing positive relationships with them, and meeting them in traditional and creative ways.
• Focus on student recruitment and engagement – ensuring that all types of Jews are embraced – to meet our engagement goals, and measure success using Hillel International's metrics tools.
• Organize and grow DU Hillel’s traditional programming, including weekly Shabbat meals/programs and holiday events throughout the year.
• With student leaders, co-develop and co-run additional programming in areas such as Israel, mental health, and social justice.
• Build DU Hillel’s leadership programs - including hiring and supervising campus interns - and work closely with student leaders to ensure leadership development opportunities are woven into the fabric of DU Hillel.
• Continue to strengthen DU Hillel’s Israel programming within our Israel Policy, and recruit for and lead DU Hillel’s Birthright Israel trips - planning education and advocacy programs upon return.
• Assist in fund development efforts among current student and alumni families in partnership with Hillel of Colorado’s annual campaigns.
• Represent Hillel of Colorado’s values within the broader community while strengthening DU Hillel’s ties with university staff and administrators, student organizations, Greek Life, and Chabad.
• Help us explore outreach to our Jewish graduate school population.

What You’ve Accomplished

• You have at least a bachelor’s degree. We will consider a range of candidates’ experiences and credentials.
• You have 2–5 years of professional experience. Experience working with teens or college students, in mission-driven organizations, at Hillel, or in Jewish summer camps is a strong plus.
• You have created and implemented work plans and can manage a program budget.
• You have proficiency in MS Suite and social media.

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Jewish cultural, ritual, and Peoplehood competency.
• A commitment to Hillel’s mission, values, and goals.
• A commitment to pluralistic, diverse Jewish life and excitement for a diversity of perspectives.
• A belief in college students and expertise leading conversations about Judaism and Israel in a way that is approachable, meets students at various points on their Jewish journey, and allows all voices to be respected.
• Flexibility and a willingness to take risks and learn from your wins as well as your losses.
• Proven ability as a self-starter, and comfort working independently and collaboratively within a team culture.
• Ability to travel to HQ in Denver at least monthly, occasionally more.
• Ability to maintain and manage our building space - with vendor assistance from HQ - to be clean and attractive for students, parents, and community members.
• Curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a sense of humor.
• A genuine desire to learn and grow as a professional.
• Ability to manage a simple budget and create and manage a work plan.
• Excellent written and verbal skills to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.

What You’ll Receive

• A salary of $55,000 - 65,000, depending on experience.
• A full benefit package plus mileage and expense reimbursement.
• Professional development opportunities as a member of a collaborative local team within a strong international organization.
• Travel to national conferences 2-3/x per year.
• A flexible work schedule.
• The opportunity to wake up every day knowing you can make a real and lasting difference in the world and in the lives of your students.

About Hillel of Colorado

​​Hillel of Colorado inspires Jewish students to cultivate a lifelong connection to Jewish life, learning, and Israel. As an independent 501(c)3 affiliated with Hillel International, it serves over 2,000 Jewish students across metro Denver and northern Colorado, providing a welcoming, pluralistic community. With hubs at the University of Denver (DU) and Colorado State University (CSU), as well as a newly established presence at Denver’s Auraria Campus, Hillel fosters student leadership, Jewish learning, and social engagement. Programs include Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and campus-wide events, offering students meaningful opportunities to connect with their heritage and peers. Plans are also underway to expand to the Colorado School of Mines in 2025.

At DU, Hillel engages more than 400 students annually, with weekly events and large holiday gatherings, while at CSU, participation has grown to over 300 students per year. Shabbat dinners attract 30-60 students on average, with major events drawing up to 200 attendees. CSU Hillel’s large-scale programs, such as Holocaust remembrance events and interfaith gatherings, engage more than 1,000 students. Hillel continues to expand its reach, ensuring Jewish students across Colorado’s campuses have a vibrant, supportive community that enhances their college experience and strengthens their Jewish identity.