JOB OPENING:
DIRECTOR OF JEWISH LIFE AND LEARNING
This position will support the following organizations:
Gallaudet University Hillel – Washington DC
Washington Society of Jewish Deaf – WSJD – Maryland, Virginia and DC.
Gallaudet University Hillel provides the foundation for Jewish campus life. A student’s involvement with Hillel is one of the strongest predictors of future Jewish leadership. Each year, hundreds of thousands of college students find community, create Jewish connections and build leadership skills through their local Hillel. Hillel recognizes that college is a natural time for exploration and identity formation, and local Hillel’s rely on leadership, motivated students and demonstrated university support to create positive Jewish memories for scores of students.
Washington Society of Jewish Deaf – WSJD offers opportunities for Deaf Jews in Maryland, Virginia and DC to gather and develop a strong sense of Jewish connections. WSJD’s primary purpose is to serve the cultural, spiritual, social, and educational needs of the Jewish deaf and hard of hearing community. WSJD also promotes and advocates deaf awareness among the greater Jewish community, including synagogues, community agencies, and schools.
Duties and Responsibilities:
This is a part time position.
The Spiritual Leader hired by Gallaudet Hillel and WSJD is expected at a minimum to do the following:
Coordinate and work closely with Gallaudet Campus Ministries
Engage and interact with Jewish students at Gallaudet University
Recruit and empower student leadership to build and sustain a Jewish student community
Empower leadership within the deaf Jewish community of WSJD
Conduct Shabbat dinners and discussion
Coordinate and/or lead ASL High Holiday services
Coordinate classes on Jewish history, thoughts, traditions, and theory
Lead events related to holidays such as Hanukkah, Passover, and Israeli Independence day
Develop, create and promote Jewish growth, connection and identity
Serve as a role model in the community
Participate in Gallaudet Hillel and WSJD Board Meetings as a non-voting member
Be a liaison for Gallaudet Hillel, WSJD and the Jewish community
Assist in fund raising efforts
Provide support for lifecycle events as appropriate
Support Taglit-Birthright Israel and/or alternative break programs administration, recruitment, and follow-through. Accompany groups as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree
5+ years relevant experience serving the needs of the Jewish community
Fluent in American Sign language
Have an ability to work independently and to collaborate with both professionals and students
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Deep knowledge of Jewish history, life, culture and religion
Preferred:
Rabbinical or cantoral ordination a major plus
Trained educator
Experience as a leader in the Jewish community
Experience as a leader in the Jewish deaf Community
Experience in Hillel leadership
Competencies Necessary: (skills, knowledge and experience)
Possess clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, both in person and via email and VP/phone
Exemplify a leadership style that is collaborative and inclusive
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cultural values of the deaf community
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines
Outgoing, motivated, and energetic
Capacity to work both independently and within a team
Program planning expertise
Ability to social network
Demonstrated integrity and reliability
A nuanced understanding of the role of Israel in the Jewish community and an awareness of effective engagement, education, and advocacy strategies around the topic
Hours: Approximate average hours worked per week: 15 – which may vary depending on the time of the year, vacations, holidays etc.
Salary – $25,000 – $35,000
To apply – Email a cover letter and resume to:[email protected].Candidates are also invited to prepare a video version of the cover letter and include a link to the video (e.g. via YouTube or Vimeo) in the application email.
Deadline date: Monday, February 24, 2014
