Rabbi Careers

Overview

Colgate University is seeking an interim one year, full-time Director of Jewish Life to oversee all aspects of Jewish life on campus and serve as a part of a multi-faith chaplaincy team. The Chaplaincy is part of the Dean of the College division and is coordinated by the University Chaplain. The Colgate Chaplaincy fosters inter-religious understanding and goodwill, and the members of the chaplaincy staff work with each other, students, other religious communities, and the larger university community to achieve these goals.

The Director of Jewish Life at Colgate is rooted in the Jewish tradition and is visibly engaged in the whole life of the College, including campus-wide events and celebrations, multi-faith engagement and student life programming.

General responsibilities include:

1. Serving as a member of the chaplaincy staff, reporting to the University Chaplain.
2. Participating fully as a member of the Dean of the College staff, advancing divisional priorities particularly around diversity, reflection and inclusive community.
3. Serving as a religious professional to all students regardless of their religious commitments.
4. Providing leadership in public events and other areas of responsibility as requested by the University Chaplain.
5. Participating in interfaith and multi-faith efforts.
6. Responsibilities related to Colgate Jewish student life include:
7. Encouraging student participation in the breadth of religious observance present in the Jewish student body.
8. Services: Providing for collaborative leadership for High Holy Day services, Seders, Shabbat evening services, and other religious observances during the school year; giving many of the sermons and divrei Torah. Recruits encourages and mentors student leadership as part of these services.
9. Providing comprehensive leadership to the Colgate Jewish Union board: recruiting, training, supporting, encouraging and collaboratively supervising student leadership in religious, social and cultural matters.
10. Serving as a liaison between the students and offerings from Hillel and other providers of programming for Jewish college students.
11. Facilitating the planning and implementation of a comprehensive program of Jewish religious life, involving students, faculty, administrators, and other persons within the University. Procure kosher food and catering as appropriate, reserve space and publicize events.
12. Provide oversight of the Michael Saperstein Jewish Center, the meeting place for Jewish life on campus. The space includes a lounge, sanctuary, two kosher kitchens (meat and dairy) and a classroom/dining space.
13. Oversees physical facility and MSJC materials.
14. Oversees the scheduling calendar for Center use for classes and university events.
15. Assists with hiring and supervising student workers as appropriate/required.
16. Maintain an affiliation with Hillel.
17. The Colgate Jewish Union, affiliated with Hillel, is a part of the university’s commitment to the religious life of its students and has staff, space, and program funds all provided by the university.
18. Maintains Colgate’s involvement in Hillel nationally.
19. Potentially oversees Colgate’s participation in Birthright Israel with Hillel and Alternative Spring Breaks with Hillel as dictated by student interest.
20. Responsibilities related to Alumni and Admission include:
21. Sponsoring activities and events on various occasions (Reunion, Homecoming, etc.) which promote and interpret Jewish life at Colgate.
22. Maintaining communication and goodwill with Jewish alumni.
23. Serving as a resource for prospective students and parents.

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications: Demonstrated experience in the Jewish traditions. Experience working in a college or university setting with students preferred. Flexibility, working as part of a team, willingness to work in an interfaith environment, sense of humor, demonstrated effective organizational and communication skills and working with diverse populations.

Rabbinical ordination, post-graduate work in Jewish Studies, and/or professional experience working with Jewish college students in a multi-faith environment are desired, but not required. Must be capable of working collegially with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and visitors on a daily basis.