Jewish Student Life Director at Hillel of Colorado, University of Denver Hillel

Jewish Student Life Director

Hillel of Colorado, University of Denver Hillel

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 may be a great fit for you if you are seeking a full-time career-track position; if our mission and goals excite you; if you have many of the diverse skills this job requires – and still strive to grow as a professional; if you are a  leader who strives to collaborate and inspire; and if you wish to make a significant impact on those who will lead tomorrow’s Jewish communities.

What You’ll Do

This may be a great fit for you if you seek to make an impact on Jewish leaders of today and tomorrow; if you have Jewish cultural competency; if Hillel’s mission, vision, and goals excite you; if you have the skill set this job requires and you strive always to grow as a professional; if you are a compassionate team player who enjoys inspiring others; and if you wish to bring your expertise to enhancing our organizational culture.

To help Hillel achieve our DU Hillel goals, you will specifically:

• 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 – assuring all types of Jews are embraced – to ensure we meet our engagement goals, and measure success using Hillel International 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 assure 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 professional experience.
• You have created and implemented work plans and can manage a program budget.
• You have proficiency in MS Suite and social media.

NOTE: It is a big plus if you have worked successfully with teenagers and/or college-age students; worked in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization; worked in a Jewish summer camp.

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• 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 i
• approachable, meets students at various points on their Jewish journey and allows all voices to be respected.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• 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 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.

Hillel of Colorado:

Vision: We inspire every Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel.

Mission: We build a Jewish community whose values enrich the lives of students during their college years and beyond.

Values: We are committed to:

• Nurturing a student-led, staff-supported culture committed to excellence.
• Creating a welcoming, pluralistic, and inclusive environment for Jewish students and their allies.
• Embracing Jewish learning and supporting Jewish Peoplehood.
• Supporting students to anchor their lives in their deepest values.
• Facilitating students’ drive to improve their world.
• Training tomorrow’s Jewish leaders.