Director of Jewish Life
Washington and Lee University Hillel
To apply please submit your resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references HERE. Applications submitted through the Hillel International job board will not be considered.
Job Description Summary:
As a member of the Student Affairs professional staff, the Director of Jewish Life is responsible for engaging Jewish students in Jewish life on campus and integrating Jewish student life into the overall campus experience. Responsibilities include advising and engaging Jewish students in their activities, developing and supporting programming to enhance the Jewish student experience, overseeing the Hillel House, managing and developing financial resources. The position reports to the Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement with responsibility for Religious Life. The Hillel House Advisory Board also works closely with the Director.
Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.
Essential Functions:
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Creates an inclusive and pluralistic Jewish community on campus that is welcoming to all. Engages students in Hillel programming and collaborates with members of the Student Affairs Division to provide programming that supports the education and development of students.
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Ensures that programming and activities follow the policies, mission, values and goals of Washington and Lee Hillel, Washington and Lee University, and Hillel International.
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Encourages visibility and awareness of Jewish life on campus. Builds relationships with Jewish students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, community members, foundations, Federations and others who support Jewish Life at W&L.
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Inspires student leaders to develop and execute dynamic Jewish programming that meets the needs of today’s college students.
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Coordinates religious services and observances of Jewish holidays for students, faculty and staff and the Lexington Jewish community; serves as an educational resource.
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Develops and delivers a multi-platform communications strategy to engage all stakeholders. Supports student leaders and staff in the creation and delivery of communications materials.
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Oversees annual budget and building operations, including room reservations and maintenance requests.
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Manages student engagement database, driving data-informed decisions in all areas of Hillel, including program and budget.
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Supervises Hillel work study student staff, including an engagement intern team.
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Collaborates with the Hillel Advisory Board and University Advancement on fundraising initiatives, donor cultivation and stewardship.
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Assists with recruiting initiatives, in concert with the Office of Admissions, on an as needed basis.
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Maintains strong relationships with campus ministers to encourage interfaith dialogue and programming.
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Cultivates network of Jewish Life professionals in academia and the surrounding community.
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Other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in Jewish Studies or Jewish Community Leadership and related experience preferred.
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Strong leadership skills, excellent written and oral communications skills are essential.
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Understanding of university culture; experience in a liberal arts environment or small campus is desirable.
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Must be available to work flexible hours and some weekends, particularly in support of events and services.
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Experience with fundraising, managing budgets and student recruitment is preferred.
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Confidence in organizing events or group programs, and a willingness to ask questions.
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Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to connect with a wide range of students.
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Excellent organizational skills, including strong attention to detail.
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Determination, resourcefulness, kindness, humor, flexibility, and drive to excellence.
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A team mindset and desire to collaborate.
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Creative problem solving.
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Passion for Jewish life.
Minimum Pay:
$70,000 - Commensurate with experience
Application Instructions:
Review of applications will begin on January 15 and continue until the position is filled. Resume and cover letter are required. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.
External Applicants: Application instructions for external applicants are located on the jobs.wlu.edu or here.
Current W&L Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account. Instructions are located at jobs.wlu.edu or here.
Position Type:
Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible
About Hillel International
In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at more than 550 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.
Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.
