Jewish Student Advisor

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Religious and Spiritual Life Job Description

Oversee Jewish Life:

Provide spiritual counsel and religious guidance for all Jewish students of varying levels and types of observations of Judaism, and advise the Smith Jewish student organization. Oversee Kosher Dining and other aspects of adherence to Jewish law and ritual. Organize and lead weekly Shabbat prayers and of major Jewish holidays Help students navigate the challenge of being a targeted religious minority and provide education to wider community on combatting antisemitism. Consult to CRSL staff about issues of importance to the Jewish community, facilitate dialogue and interfaith engagement. Provide pastoral care to non-Jewish as well as Jewish students and help facilitate other CRSL Programs related to CRSL mission such as transformative justice and racial and social reparations.

Collaborate with local community on programs related to Jewish life.

Provide outreach and spiritual care to Jewish students. Provide education and engagement opportunities to a wide range of religious orientations. Liaise with faculty from the Religious and Jewish Studies Department as well as other departments when there are intersecting goals. Offer High Holiday and Shabbat services, liaise with orthodox and other branches of Judaism for students who may not participate in Jewish life at Smith. Oversee Kosher Kitchen and help supervise cooks, consult with dining Shabbat about kosher needs.

Supervise Smith Jewish organization

Advise “SCJC” the student Jewish organization; including helping with planning logistics, providing guidance in leadership formation, and helping oversee group process. Liaise between CRSL leadership and organization about programming, collaborations and interfaith engagement. Attend weekly leadership meetings to provide guidance as needed, consult with group leadership. Organize all Shabbat services, lead at least a minimum of two services per month.

Plan and preside over Jewish holidays as well as weekly Shabbat services

Plan and execute meaningful religious services for community. Provide spoken and sung offerings, offer inspiring Dvar Torah reflections. Collaborate with students and other stakeholders in determine service content.

Provide spiritual care to Jewish and non-Jewish students

Provide a welcoming and compassionate presence to students in individual and group settings. Offer spiritual guidance through a lens of equity and justice. Maintain regular appointments with students who request them and hold office hours for periodic consultations. Liase with other campus care providers as needed/ is appropriate. Help students explore Jewish identity, help potential converts though discernment process.

Collaborate with team members on all aspects of the CRSL mission and Participate in the planning and implementation of college-wide programming related to Diversity, Equity and inclusion. Other duties as assigned.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

January 28, 2022

Compensation Grade:

Grade K Exempt

Position Type:

Fixed Term

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Diversity and a culture of inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religions, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.