Job location: Colby College

Employment Type: Part-time
Posted data: 2022-01-18
Req: R0000626
Job DescriptionDepartment:Center for Small Town Jewish Life - StaffPay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:Part-Time, Temporary, 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, the Natan Fund, and Slingshot, seeks an innovative Jewish communal professional to serve as director of Jewish student life. This leader and mentor will advise and guide Colby students of all backgrounds, especially participants in Colby’s vibrant Hillel and Department of Jewish Studies, and will be a crucial member of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life staff. This part-time, temporary, grant funded position is benefits eligible. 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 CSTJL’s strategic plan and the broad arc of its student-facing programming
• Develop innovative programs to enhance student Jewish life
• Create engaging co-curricular programming of interest to the entire Colby community; partner with on campus departments and off campus groups as appropriate
• Supervise and empower Hillel student leadership by offering relevant leadership education and working closely with student leaders as they plan and host Hillel programs
• Create dynamic Jewish learning opportunities for students (both Jewish and non-Jewish) to grow and develop
• Manage the CSTJL’s leadership development program for Colby students of all backgrounds and mentor members of this program
• Advise and mentor students on campus
• Assume leadership role and compassionate presence during challenging and crisis times
• Contribute to CSTJL major events including the Maine Conference for Jewish Life and Fall Shabbaton
• Participate in evening and weekend programming as required by the nature of our residential community
• Cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships with recent alumni
• Nurture the vital relationship between Colby students and Beth Israel Congregation
• Contribute to the efforts of the CSTJL to foster increased synergies among Jewish student organizations at Colby, Bates, Bowdoin, University of Maine Farmington, and the University of Maine (Orono)
• Collaborate with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life to represent Jewish experience and identity as a member of its 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
• Oversee the Hillel spaces, including overseeing kashrut
• Participate actively in the CSTJL professional team, including its monthly staff meetings
• 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
• 5 – 7 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
• Proven experience in working successfully with financial aspects related to programming events and services
• Outstanding cultural competency with demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Deep commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive campus community
• Comprehensive knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of a highly selective small liberal arts college; understanding of the developmental issues faced by diverse populations of undergraduates in a rigorous academic environment
• 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 the Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 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. Some travel and weekend/evening work hours required.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Director of Jewish Student Life - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855