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

• An educator in formal and informal settings, who weaves Jewish content and opportunities for meaning in all of your interactions

• Enthusiasm, energy, and a team-oriented approach

• Clear communication and interest in entering feedback loops with your supervisor, supervisees, and students

• A team player who can both coach others and receive coaching with a growth mindset

• Commitment to fostering a strong and positive relationship with Israel and Zionism

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $50,000- $55,000
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurances, Flexible Spending accounts, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave
• Great professional development, mentoring, and skill building opportunities
• Travel regionally and abroad, particularly to Israel
• Plenty of Hillel and university swag

About Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh

The Hillel JUC serves an estimated 2,200 undergraduate students, graduate students and young adults.  Our 12,500 sq. foot building located at the meeting point between Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh is a hub for Jewish activities seven days a week.  Our goal is to engage every Jewish student on campus through a wide range of meaningful Jewish experiences and communities. Hillel JUC enriches the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel. The Hillel JUC provides all staff with an exciting and meaningful working environment and more importantly an amazing group of student leaders who guide our programming and are committed to building communities of purpose on the campuses we serve.

The Hillel JUC is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.