Director of Jewish Life
- Employer
- Susquehanna University
- Location
- Pennsylvania, United States
- Salary
- Salary Not specified
- Date posted
- Oct 11, 2021
View more
- Position Type
- Administrative, Student Affairs, Religious Affairs & Ministry
- Employment Level
- Administrative
- Employment Type
- Full Time
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Director of Jewish Life
About Susquehanna:
As a living, learning and working community, Susquehanna University affirms its commitment to being an engaged, culturally inclusive campus. As we seek to embody the rich diversity of the human community, we commit ourselves to the full participation of persons who represent the breadth of human difference. The university encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Susquehanna University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Susquehanna University is a national liberal arts college committed to excellence in educating students for productive, creative and reflective lives of achievement, leadership and service in a diverse, dynamic and interdependent world. Its more than 2,300 undergraduates come from 35 states and 22 countries, and all students study away through Susquehanna’s unique Global Opportunities program. Susquehanna University’s 325 acre campus, noted for its beauty, is located in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 50 miles north of Harrisburg in the scenic Susquehanna River Valley, about a three hour drive from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City. For more information, please visit https://www.susqu.edu.
Position Summary:
Job Summary
The Director of Jewish Life builds inclusive and dynamic Jewish community in the context of a diverse campus, inspiring students to explore the many dimensions of Jewish identity and belonging. As a member of the Division of Inclusive Excellence, the Director is a key campus leader on matters of diversity, inclusion, and interfaith relations, reporting to the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. Teaching courses related to Jewish and Israel Studies is an optional part of the position. The Director also cooperates with the Office of Admissions in recruiting Jewish students and relates to alumni, donors, and external constituencies as appropriate.
Specific Responsibilities
- Coordinate programming (guest speakers, lectures, community
leaders) and community dialogues (open forums, town hall meetings)
intended to foster a climate of respect and civility and enhance
community relationships, collaborating with the academic/student
life partners.
- Support student leaders in cultivating peer relationships and
in developing exciting and innovative social, cultural, education,
public service, and religious/spiritual programs that energize
Jewish life on campus. The director also will maintain a student
staff - including peer outreach through the Student Engagement
staff - which will work to facilitate a successful and vibrant
Jewish Life experience.
- Work directly with Hillel, the Jewish student club, to
facilitate and support Jewish Life activities, including serving as
the club advisor and mentor; seek opportunities to grow and develop
the skills of the Hillel board, including through the Hagshama
Leadership Fellowship, which provides leadership development
training for the President and Vice-President of the Hillel
board.
- Support Center for Diversity & Inclusion operations to
include programing and support for students from historically
marginalized populations.
- Assesses programs and services, tracking student engagement and
develops initiatives for the systematic and continuous improvement
of departmental practices in the areas of data tracking.
- Maintains an up-to-date understanding of national best
practices and literature on college student engagement, student
inclusivity and belonging, and community well-being and
retention.
- Actively work with Hillel International to achieve best
practices and implement programs that strengthen Jewish Life at
Susquehanna.
- Collaborate with the Office of Admissions as appropriate in
recruiting Jewish students.
- Collaborate with the Office of Advancement as appropriate to
maximize the resources available to support and expand Jewish Life
on campus.
- Cultivate strong relationships with the local synagogue and its
rabbi, facilitating student participation in the life of the
synagogue when desired and cooperating with the rabbi when
appropriate for Shabbat services on campus and the celebration of
the High Holidays, facilitating student participation in synagogue
celebrations.
- Provide leadership in the marketing, public relations, and
promotional activities attendant to Jewish Life on
campus.
- Serve as a bias incident investigator when needed
Required Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor’s degree required.
Experience
1-3 years professional experience in Jewish, experiential, or higher education.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Deep knowledge of Jewish tradition and the diversity of Jewish practice are essential. Knowledge and ability to use Personal computer, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook. Important skills include interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with Jewish and non-Jewish students, co-workers and other stakeholders; use of social media as an effective tool for communication and community building; ability to set priorities, advocate team concepts and work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff.
Physical Demand
Normal office environment. Position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Position requires the ability to move about the campus. Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instruction. Position requires occasional manual dexterity and the ability to use fingers, hands, and arms to feel, handle, and reach. Position requires occasional stooping, crouching and bending. Position requires the ability to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds. Working conditions are indoor. This position requires occasional night and weekend responsibilities. Position may require travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education
Master’s degree in Jewish Education or other relevant field preferred.
Special Instructions to the Applicant:
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Number of Months: 12 months
Other Number of Months:
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Work Schedule/Hours per Week:
Posting Date: 05/26/2021
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Anticipated Start Date:
Posting Number: AH00738
To apply, visit https://jobs.susqu.edu/postings/2410
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