Director of Jewish Life

Colgate University

Director of Jewish Life

Requisition Number: 2026S039Posting
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Division: Office of the President
Department: President's Office
Wage/Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000

Department Statement:
The Director of Jewish Life oversees all aspects of Jewish life on campus and serves as a part of a multi-faith chaplaincy team. The Office of the Chaplains is coordinated by the Dean for Memorial Chapel with oversight from the Office of the President and the Dean of the College Division. The Office fosters inter-religious understanding and goodwill. The members of the chaplaincy staff work with each other, students, faculty, staff, community religious organizations, and the larger university community to achieve these goals.

Accountabilities:
As Director of Jewish Life, this position is primarily responsible for all aspects of Jewish life on campus in support of campus-wide events and celebrations, multi-faith engagement, and student life programming. The Director of Jewish Life is rooted in the Jewish tradition and is visibly engaged in the whole life of the University. As an active member of the University chaplaincy staff, this position serves as a religious professional (advisor and mentor) to all students regardless of their religious commitments, providing high-quality, timely, and confidential pastoral care and counseling. In addition to supporting work in the Office of the President, this position is expected to participate fully as a member of the Dean of the College staff, advancing divisional priorities particularly around inclusive excellence, meaningful reflection, and inclusive community. Areas of focus include responsibility for:

Jewish Life

• Provide collaborative leadership for services and other religious observances during the academic year. Recruit, encourage, and mentor student leadership in these services.
• Provide oversight for the M. Saperstein Jewish Center, the meeting place for Jewish life on campus, including two kosher kitchens.
• Provide comprehensive advising for the Colgate Jewish Union Board, facilitating and supporting all aspects of student leadership in religious, social, and cultural matters.
• Encourage student participation in the breadth of religious observance present in the Jewish student body.
• Serve as a liaison between students and offerings from Hillel and other providers of programming for Jewish students, including the Program in Jewish Studies. Maintain an affiliation with Hillel.
• Facilitate the planning and implementation of a comprehensive program of Jewish religious life involving students, faculty, administrators, and other persons within the University and the broader Hamilton community.
• Work collaboratively with University constituents, including faculty from the Program in Jewish Studies and other academic departments and programs, Alumni Relations, and Admission.
• Serve people across the spectrum of Judaism (e.g., Unaffiliated, Reform, Reconstructionist, conservative, and modern orthodox), including families from the Hamilton area and those who worship regularly or sporadically.
• Liturgical expertise sufficient to conduct regular and seasonal worship within the tradition.

• Provide leadership at public events and other related responsibilities, as requested.
• Provide high-quality, routine and seasonal, faith-specific and inter-faith, liturgical ceremonies and other faith-related gatherings.
• Plan events in ways that meet University goals and are held in compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Manage risk to avoid material consequences to the University.

• Ensuring that students have access to opportunities for student group membership and leadership, and that they receive value and personal growth enrichment as a result of their participation in the community.
• Use expertise in student affairs and the ability to influence students in making good decisions and working with groups and individuals.
• Design and implement student leadership opportunities for student leaders. Skills to train both students and staff in effective practices.

• Design, implement, and assess programs consistent with broader organizational guidelines and within Colgate s context. Connect intended program priorities, outcomes, and goals to divisional and institutional priorities, outcomes, and goals.
• Use expertise with data and systems to identify key data tracking needs, trends, and develop data-driven solutions. Use technical solutions to assist in the collection/maintenance of key data and records, and within university, division, and department guidelines.
• Effectively and consistently apply time management, problem-solving, and planning skills in the implementation of processes or programs.
• Consistently meet Jewish community needs while staying within budget constraints.

• Use knowledge of a wide range of faith traditions to effectively serve as a chaplain for students and provide high-quality instruction and engagement focused on reconciling beliefs with academic learning.
• Use broad knowledge of all major religious traditions, sufficient to engage in interfaith work and to provide pastoral counseling to any community member.
• Provide pastoral care and counseling for members of the university community and maintain confidentiality.
• Assist students with making the connection between their faith, their commitment to justice, and their service to the broader community and world.

• Demonstrated experience in Jewish traditions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in an interfaith environment.
• Demonstrated effective organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Flexibility and willingness to perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience working in a college or university setting with a primary student audience is preferred.
• Post-graduate work in Jewish Studies, and/or professional experience working with Jewish college students in a multi-faith environment, preferred.
• Rabbinical background is a strong plus.