Hillel Program Director for Jewish Life and Interfaith Engagement at Stetson University

Hillel International•DeLand, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hillel Program Director for Jewish Life and Interfaith Engagement at Stetson University is responsible for developing, articulating, implementing, and creating a pluralistic, inclusive, and innovative vision for Hillel and interfaith initiatives. This role supports and grows the religious and spiritual lives of students by shaping Hillel into an energetic enterprise that serves as the center for Jewish student life. The position involves engaging Jewish students, developing programs, cultivating student leaders, and promoting a welcoming Jewish community. Additionally, the role leads interfaith initiatives and programming for the university, reporting to the University Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university (education and/or experience).
Strong Jewish identity and knowledge base.
Commitment to pluralistic Jewish learning.
Understanding of Jewish community, culture, heritage, and traditions.
Experience in student engagement, community outreach & organizing, mentorship.
Experience in event planning & youth marketing.
Passion for Jewish identity to encourage and promote a pluralistic and inclusive approach to religious expression.
Previous experience working with interfaith initiatives, dialogue, and conversations.
Strong interpersonal skills and the desire to work collaboratively with colleagues.
Ability to multi-task and troubleshoot effectively.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work as a semi-solo professional.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in Israel (visiting or living).
Prior involvement in Hillel programming or Jewish community-based organizations.
Master’s degree or advanced degree in Jewish studies or related academic field, student affairs, higher education, counseling or a related field.
Administrative responsibility in a university, religious institution, or social service agencies.
Experience with interfaith dialogue or interfaith relations, and demonstrated commitment to religious diversity, healthy interreligious relations, and social justice.
Experience with programming and leadership development for young adults.
Previous experience working in a university environment.

Responsibilities

Engage with Jewish students daily, ensuring a pluralistic and welcoming atmosphere and a visible Jewish presence on campus.
Work with student leaders to provide multiple entry points for participation in Jewish life.
Serve as the primary advisor for the Stetson Hillel student organization, support student-initiated programs, attend programs (including evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays), and lead annual Birthright trips.
Act as the primary resource for Jewish student life, serving as a Jewish educator and modeling a positive relationship with Jewish life, learning, and Israel.
Add accessible Jewish content and depth to other campus programs, demonstrating comfort with Jewish traditions, holidays, culture, and basic texts.
Maintain and develop relationships with Campus Life departments, other Stetson departments, local and regional Jewish organizations, and international Hillel organizations.
Oversee communications, including social media, to maintain high visibility of Hillel.
Convene key community partners to support Hillel in addressing controversial issues affecting Jewish life on campus.
Develop opportunities to showcase Hillel at Stetson with prospective students during major campus visitation events.
Support fundraising initiatives and donor communication related to the Hillel Program and Jewish life on campus.
Serve as building coordinator for the Ginsberg Hillel House.
Prioritize Taglit-Birthright Israel as a key engagement opportunity.
Potentially teach one course per semester for supplemental pay as an adjunct in Jewish Studies, or First-Year Seminar if qualified and needed.
Work collaboratively and competently across a variety of cultures in an inclusive multi-faith environment.
Promote interfaith student leadership on campus and provide mentoring and leadership development opportunities.
Collaborate with Dialogue and Civic Action staff and other faculty for interfaith programming.
Maintain interfaith prayer rooms on campus and arrange for interfaith spiritual practice opportunities.
Participate in relevant University and Division committees, including a leading role on the BEST Team.