Engagement Associate at Hillel at the University of Vermont

Hillel International•Burlington, VT

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Hillel at the University of Vermont seeks an Engagement Associate to support relationship-based student engagement and build vibrant Jewish life on campus. Reporting to the Director of Student Engagement, the Engagement Associate is a student-centered professional who builds authentic relationships, sparks creativity, and helps students feel supported and connected to Jewish life, learning, and Israel. This role is ideal for an early-career professional, especially someone with experience in Jewish summer camps, outdoor leadership, athletics, or experiential education, who is energized by working directly with students, building community through shared experiences, and reaching students who may not initially see themselves in traditional Hillel spaces. The Engagement Associate complements the Director’s strategic leadership by translating vision into daily presence, authentic connection, and impactful action.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Recent college graduates or graduating seniors, typically within 0–3 years of professional experience.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with a wide range of students.
Creativity, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Ability to work collaboratively while also taking ownership of projects and relationships.
Comfort working a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays.
A valid driver's license is required for this role.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Jewish summer camps, outdoor education, athletics, or experiential leadership strongly preferred.
Demonstrated interest in student engagement, leadership development, and Jewish life.
Interest in outdoor recreation, athletics, or wellness culture is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Build authentic, ongoing relationships with Jewish students through one-on-one conversations, small group engagement, tabling, and presence at campus events.
Meet students where they are socially, academically, and geographically across campus, including evenings and weekends, with a particular focus on reaching students involved in athletics, outdoor recreation, Greek life, and other communities not traditionally engaged in Hillel.
Engage students through shared interests such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fitness, and outdoor adventure.
Identify students to engage and help connect them to meaningful Jewish experiences.
Follow up with students post-engagements to affirm relationships and Hillel connection.
Support the planning, implementation, and execution of Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, immersive experiences, and small- to mid-scale programs.
Help design and lead experiential, outdoor, and adventure-based Jewish programming (e.g., ski Shabbat, hikes, wellness programs, retreats).
Collaborate with the Director of Student Engagement, other staff, and student leaders to develop creative initiatives that resonate with diverse student interests, including those less connected to traditional Jewish spaces.
Assist with logistics, outreach, and follow-up to ensure programs are welcoming, well-run, and impactful.
Serve as a positive and accessible Jewish role model, especially for students whose Jewish identity has been shaped by camp, travel, or informal education.
Engage students in informal conversations about their own relationship to Jewish life, values, learning, and Israel.
Help create pluralistic Jewish experiences that invite exploration, curiosity, and personal meaning in our UVM community.
Support students on their individual Jewish journeys in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Build relationships and partnerships with campus groups such as the Ski and Snowboard Club, Outing Club, athletic teams, wellness programs, and other student organizations.
Actively bring Hillel into spaces where students already gather rather than expecting them to come to us.
Participate in relationship-building efforts across the Hillel International network and with peer professionals.
Track student interactions and program participation using Hillel engagement systems.
Contribute to team planning, reflection, and assessment conversations.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of Hillel’s mission and goals.