Jewish Student Life Director

Colorado State University Hillel

Role Overview

Hillel of Colorado, a multi-campus Hillel, seeks a full-time Jewish Student Life Director (JSLD) for its Colorado State University (CSU) campus in Ft. Collins, CO. As JSLD, with support from our statewide staff, you will oversee all CSU Hillel activities for a diverse and pluralistic population of 500+ Jewish undergraduate students and their allies.  You will strengthen students’ connection to Jewish life and provide a warm, welcoming home-away-from-home for students during these important years.  

Under your leadership and oversight, this student-run, staff-supported Hillel will continue striving toward excellence, building on what previous staff and student leaders have achieved for the past quarter century.  You will be based in northern Colorado, and along with Hillel of Colorado’s assistant director – who will serve as your supervisor, thought-partner, and co-strategist – you will be an integral part of a small, growing, and highly collaborative Hillel staff team headquartered at the Merage & Allon Hillel Center in Denver.  

This may be a great fit for you if you are seeking a full-time career-track position; if Hillel’s mission, vision, and goals excite you; if you have many of the diverse skills this job requires and you strive always to grow as a professional; if you are a leader who enjoys inspiring others and collaborating; and if you wish to make a significant impact on those who will be tomorrow’s Jewish leaders.

What You’ll Do  

This may be a great fit for you if you seek to make an impact on Jewish leaders of today and tomorrow; if you have Jewish cultural competency; if Hillel’s mission, vision, and goals excite you; if you have the skill set this job requires and you strive always to grow as a professional; if you are a compassionate team player who enjoys inspiring others; and if you wish to bring your expertise to enhancing our organizational culture. 

To help Hillel achieve our CSU Hillel goals, you will specifically: 

• Lead CSU Hillel and assure the smooth running of the Merage Hillel House, including (with help from HQ) vendor responsibilities.
• Focus on student recruitment and engagement – assuring all types of Jews are embraced – to ensure we meet our engagement goals, and measure success using Hillel International metrics tools. 
• Appropriately staff the Merage Hillel House to ensure student access to you and their space.
• Organize and grow CSU Hillel’s traditional programming, including weekly Shabbat meals/programs and holiday events throughout the year.
• With student leaders co-develop and co-run additional programming in areas such as Israel, mental health, and social justice. 
• Build CSU’s Hillel’s leadership programs – including hiring and supervising campus interns – and work closely with student leaders to ensure leadership development opportunities are woven into the fabric of CSU Hillel.
• Continue to strengthen CSU Hillel’s Israel programming within our Israel Policy, and recruit for (and possibly lead) CSU Hillel’s Birthright Israel trip – planning, education, and advocacy programs upon return. 
• Assist in fund development efforts among current student and alumni families in partnership with Hillel of Colorado’s annual campaigns.
• Represent Hillel of Colorado’s values within the broader community while strengthening CSU Hillel’s ties with university staff and administrators, student organizations, Greek Life, and Chabad.
• With HQ assistance, build and staff a CSU Hillel community advocacy group to further our mission. 

What You've Accomplished 

• You have at least a bachelor’s degree. We will consider a range of candidates’ experiences and credentials. 
• You have 2-5 years of professional experience. 
• You have created and implemented work plans and can manage a program budget.  
• You have proficiency in MS Suite and social media. 

NOTE: It is a big plus if you have worked successfully with teenagers and/or college-age students; worked in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization, or worked in a Jewish summer camp. 

What You Bring to the Role

• Jewish cultural, ritual, and peoplehood competency. 
• A commitment to Hillel’s mission, values, and goals. 
• A commitment to pluralistic, diverse Jewish life, and excitement for a diversity of perspectives. 
• A belief in college students and expertise leading conversations about Judaism and Israel in a way that is approachable, meets students at various points on their Jewish journey and allows all voices to be respected.  
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills. 
• Flexibility and a willingness to take risks and learn from your wins as well as your losses. 
• Proven ability as a self-starter, and comfort working independently and collaboratively within a team culture. 
• Ability to travel to HQ in Denver at least monthly, occasionally more. 
• Ability to maintain and manage our building space – with vendor assistance from HQ – to be clean and attractive for students, parents, and community members. 
• Curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a sense of humor. 
• A genuine desire to learn and grow as a professional. 
• Ability to manage a simple budget and create and manage a work plan. 
• Excellent written and verbal skills to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.  

What You’ll Receive 

• A salary of $58,000 – 65,000, depending on experience. 
• A full benefit package plus mileage and expense reimbursement. 
• Professional development opportunities as a member of a collaborative local team within a strong international organization. 
• Travel to national conferences 2-3/x per year. 
• A flexible work schedule. 
• The opportunity to wake up every day knowing you can make a real and lasting difference in the world and in the lives of your students. 

About Hillel of Colorado

• Vision: We inspire every Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel. 
• Mission: We build a Jewish community whose values enrich the lives of students during their college years and beyond. 
• Values: We are committed to:  
  • Nurturing a student-led, staff-supported culture committed to excellence. 
  • Creating a welcoming, pluralistic, and inclusive environment for Jewish students and their allies. 
  • Embracing Jewish learning and supporting Jewish Peoplehood. 
  • Supporting students to anchor their lives in their deepest values. 
  • Facilitating students’ drive to improve their world. 
  • Training tomorrow’s Jewish leaders.