Director of Jewish Student Life at University of Pittsburgh

Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh

Role Overview

Make your mark on Jewish student life by joining Hillel Jewish University Center as the Director of Jewish Student Life at University of Pittsburgh. You’ll power Hillel by supporting efforts to connect people, vital funds and resources to our mission.

The Janet L. Swanson Director of Jewish Student Life (DJSL) at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt)’s role is to inspire every Jewish student to develop an enduring understanding that Judaism is relevant and transformative, alive with innovative opportunity, and compels action, leading to a meaningful and connected Jewish life. You will need to bring contagious energy, dynamism, and creativity to your work with students. You will work closely with the Assistant Director on developing and implementing the vision for programming and engagement.

What You’ll Do

Build authentic relationships with Jewish undergraduate students at the University of Pittsburgh by meeting them where they live, work, and/or study, utilizing creative methods to reach and interest them

Work closely with the Assistant Director to develop and execute general strategy for programming and engagement

Nurture and support existing student communities and umbrella groups

Provide Jewish students of diverse backgrounds and identities with a sense of belonging to the larger Jewish community on campus

Create opportunities for gathering and meeting that are accessible for every Jewish student to gather and forge new relationships

Be an integral part of the Pitt campus team to collectively achieve engagement goals through individual engagements and gatherings

Collaborate with Assistant Director to design and implement leadership development programs for students

Ensure a pluralistic and welcoming atmosphere for all

Engage in meaningful one-on-one and group conversations about Jewish life and living

Help others along a path of Jewish discovery

On a day to day basis you will

Plan, facilitate, and evaluate a variety of Jewish life opportunities and initiatives

Support student-initiated programs and serve as a Jewish resource to students and groups on campus

Advise some of Pitt Hillel’s student groups and assign members of the Pitt team as advisors of student groups - guiding them in their programming and leadership development, developing ongoing mentoring relationships with them and attending many student-initiated programs (including some evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays)

Support and implement the annual cycle of programs (Shabbat, holidays, etc) and special events as needed throughout the year, oftentimes collaboratively with other staff and student leaders. Special events might include student-led conferences, large-scale Shabbat experiences, and other programs as applicable

Provide leadership in marketing, public relations and promotional activities as appropriate, including oversight of the website and other social media

In conjunction with the Assistant Director, share Hillel JUC’s vision of Jewish life with all stakeholders, including students, staff, faculty, Board of Directors, alumni, parents, and Hillel's Schusterman International Center

Partner with staff and students to support pluralistic, inclusive and innovative Jewish programming on campus

What You’ve Accomplished

A bachelor’s degree

At least two years of professional work experience (experience as a volunteer or professional in a Jewish organization is a plus)

Proven success as a relationship builder

Experience or affinity working with and motivating Jewish students in Greek Life

Supervisory experience preferred

What You’ll Bring to the Job

Thoughtfulness and intentionality

Great attention to detail and strong project management skills

Highly self-motivated and driven to achieve goals

Ability to assess student needs quickly and move to meet those needs

A passion for student engagement work and an appreciation for the importance of every Jewish student we reach

Curiosity about what compels students to engage with their Jewishness