Applications submitted through the Hillel International website will NOT be considered. To apply, please submit your application through the University of Hartford website linked HERE.  

Fain Family Director of Jewish Life

University of Hartford Hillel

Role Overview

Provides strategic leadership for the University of Hartford’s Hillel and Office of Jewish Life, advancing the University’s priorities related to student success, financial sustainability, academic excellence, and external engagement. Assumes responsibility for strengthening Jewish student engagement, leadership development, and identity exploration through high-impact programming, immersive experiences, and campus and community partnerships. Serves as the primary Jewish life professional on campus; a strategic partner to Admissions, Enrollment Management, and Orientation; and a key collaborator with alumni, parents, and Development and Alumni Affairs to support annual fundraising initiatives and long-term sustainability. Performs all duties in full support of the University’s mission, understanding that the positive and effective execution of those duties are instrumental to the education of the University’s students.

What You’ll Do

• Creates and sustains welcoming, engaging, and student-centered environments within the Zachs Hillel Center and larger campus community.
• Recruits, advises, and mentors Hillel student leaders and affiliated student organizations, supporting leadership pipelines that enhance student engagement and persistence.
• Designs and implements Jewish Life programming—including Shabbat and holiday observances, educational programs, cultural initiatives, service learning, and social justice experiences—that encourage continued student involvement throughout their college career.
• Leads immersive experiences such as Taglit-Birthright Israel and Alternative Spring Break trips, using pre- and post-experience engagement to strengthen ongoing student connection to campus.

• Provides direct oversight of the Hillel and Jewish Life budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with University priorities.
• Partners with Development and Alumni Affairs to support annual fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, and philanthropic goals benefiting the University, Hillel, and Jewish Life.
• Identifies and supports revenue-generating opportunities connected to the Zachs Hillel Center, including food service coordination, event rentals, alumni and community programming, and external partnerships.
• Writes and manages grant proposals and oversees active funding agreements that contribute to operational sustainability and long-term growth.

• Enhances the overall student learning environment by providing co-curricular experiences that complement academic work and support wellness, leadership development, identity exploration, and civic engagement.
• Collaborates with academic departments, Judaic Studies, and campus partners to integrate Jewish Life programming into the broader educational experience.
• Serves as an informal Jewish educator and mentor, supporting students’ intellectual, personal, and leadership development in preparation for life beyond college.

• Builds and sustains meaningful relationships with Jewish alumni and parents to support mentorship, engagement, and philanthropic involvement.
• Serves as a visible representative of the University of Hartford within local, regional, and national Jewish and higher education networks.
• Serves as the primary liaison to Hillel International and maintain affiliation agreements and external partnerships.
• Partners with Admissions and Orientation to support recruitment, yield, and retention of Jewish students.
• Participates in university wide recruitment efforts, including but not limited to open houses, campus visits, Accepted Student Days, and ongoing outreach to prospective and admitted students and families.

• Provides comprehensive oversight of Hillel and Jewish Life operations, including staffing, assessment, policy implementation, programming, and day-to-day administration.
• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates professional staff, graduate assistants, undergraduate student employees, and volunteers.
• Oversees operations of the Zachs Hillel Center, ensuring it functions as an effective hub for Jewish Life programming, student engagement, alumni activity, and community use.

• Collaborates with University partners on communications and marketing efforts that elevate Hillel and Jewish Life and support student engagement and enrollment goals.
• Ensures accurate and timely maintenance of digital platforms, social media, and event calendars.
• Maintains strong working relationships with campus partners to support coordinated student success efforts.
• Serves on divisional and university committees, task forces, and initiatives aligned with CFOS priorities and student success goals.
• Supports major University events to include, but not limited to, Open Houses, Accepted Student Days, Orientation, Hawktober Weekend, fall opening, and Commencement.

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Special skills: The ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

What You’ll Receive

• The salary range for this role is $66,727 to $85,000.