Deputy Director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life and Director of Jewish Student Life

Job Description
Department:
Jewish Studies - Staff
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:Center for Small Town Jewish Life
Full-Time, Temporary (Three year, grant funded), Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Colby College’s Center for Small Town Jewish Life (CSTJL), whose groundbreaking efforts to cultivate transformational learning and multigenerational Jewish communities have earned support and recognition from the Covenant Foundation and Slingshot, seeks an innovative Jewish communal professional to serve as its deputy director. This leader and mentor will also advise, support, and teach Colby students of all backgrounds, especially participants in Colby’s vibrant Hillel. The deputy director and director of Jewish student life will participate in a collaborative team of Jewish communal professionals led by Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, named one of “America’s most inspiring rabbis” by The Forward (2014). We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Exercise leadership in developing the Center’s strategic plan and the broad arc of its programming
• Develop innovative programs to enhance Jewish life in Maine and contribute to relevant events across the state
• Manage the CSTJL’s brand identity and communications strategy
• Build personal and institutional relationships and foster increased synergies across Maine’s Jewish communities, especially Hillels at Bates, Bowdoin, and the University of Maine, Orono
• Manage the CSTJL’s leadership development program for Colby students of all backgrounds and mentor members of this program
• Build personal relationships and institutional partnerships with national and global Jewish organizations
• Manage the work of the CSTJL staff, facilitating effective communication and collaboration among its members
• Supervise the CSTJL administrative specialist
• Contribute to the fundraising efforts of the CSTJL
• Cultivate Hillel student leadership by offering relevant leadership education and working closely with student leaders as they plan and host Hillel programs
• Create dynamic learning opportunities for students to grow and develop as they prepare for post-college Jewish life
• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with recent alumni
• Nurture the vital relationship between Colby students and Waterville’s Beth Israel Congregation
• Direct the CSTJL’s Maine Roots program for Jewish adults, ages 22-33, including Colby alumni
• Create and lead educational travel opportunities for Colby students and/or Maine Roots participants
• Collaborate with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) to represent Jewish experience and identity as a member of the leadership team
• Maintain strong relationships with the leadership of the Pugh Center for Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to ensure that Jewish experience is understood as part of the diversity on campus
• Manage the Hillel budget and fulfill Hillel-related reporting requirements
• Manage the Hillel spaces, including overseeing kashrut
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; Master’s degree preferred
• At least five years of progressive experience with direct higher education experience preferred
• Proven record as a forward-thinking leader with a strong network of colleagues and associates in relevant fields and an established interest and proven track record of success in Jewish communal service
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with college students
• Proactive “can do” attitude that can motivate others
• Ability to meet multiple, simultaneous deadlines with attention to detail
• Entrepreneurial spirit and strategic outlook with a willingness to take risks and learn from them
• Ability to maintain balance and perspective, coupled with the flexibility to adjust to shifting priorities
• Strong leadership, decision making, interpersonal, planning, collaboration and organizational skills; solid presentation, negotiation, problem solving, and meeting management skills
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion as key strategies toward broad-based institutional excellence, representing a range of perspectives, thought, and actions
• Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

KEY RELATIONSHIPS :

This position will work closely with all members of the CSTJL staff (executive director, associate director, director of summer programs, director of online programs, administrative specialist), as well as with the dean of religious and spiritual life and members of the Pugh Center leadership. This position has significant interaction with students, faculty, staff, Jewish communal leaders, and the broader community.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and interact with many constituents regularly is crucial. Work outside of normal business hours and some travel is required.

TO APPLY :

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. The letter should explicitly address the candidate’s passion for fostering vibrant Jewish life in small communities and in a small liberal arts college and may address salary requirements or other relevant considerations. Materials should be addressed to:

Deputy Director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life and Director of Jewish Student Life - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855