Interim Coordinator of Jewish Life

About Us:
Colorado College is a nationally recognized, residential liberal arts college with 2,300 students from around the world. Employees set the stage for student success by bringing their diverse experience and knowledge to the table. The college actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment in which students and employees of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can learn and work.

Summary Description:
The Interim Coordinator of Jewish Life is an integral member of the Chaplain’s Office, which together supports spirituality, religious life, contemplative practices and meaning making within our diverse and pluralistic campus. This part-time position on average works 10-12 hours a week, and reports to the Chaplain. The position includes work on Friday evening Shabbat with Hillel; regular office hours, attendance at some evening and weekend programs to be determined based on the needs and schedules of the Interim Coordinator, students, Chaplain’s Office, and wider CC Community. The Interim Coordinator will work to create an inclusive, vibrant, and pluralistic Jewish community, effectively engaging students across a diversity of Jewish expression and identities, serving as a resource, and providing a welcoming and inclusive environment encouraging the Jewish community to grow spiritually, culturally and for holistic wellbeing.

Job Location:
On-site: This position operates on campus. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide vision, direction, guidance, and coordination for Jewish Life including, Jewish learning, opportunities for Torah study, rituals (including Shabbat, High Holidays and Passover), community building, retreats, and annual Holocaust Remembrance Service in cooperation with the Chaplain’s Office.
• Provide for Jewish spiritual, religious, ritual, and cultural celebrations and programming that educates and celebrates the diversity of Jewish Life on campus and the world. Foster Jewish learning and intellectual life via discussions, lectures, and programs, ensuring meaningful and diverse opportunities for Jewish expression, consistently promoting a welcoming and lively pluralistic Jewish community.
• Promote awareness and understanding of Judaism and Jewish traditions and cultures across campus.
• Serve as Coordinator of Jewish Life and a spiritual/religious advisor to Jewish students and Hillel. Provide specific leadership development and mentoring with Hillel student leaders.
• Cultivate relationships that engender holistic personal growth and develop student leadership, listening and responding to individual and campus needs.
• Support, cultivate, and mentor Jewish students in developing programs which foster, enrich, and celebrate Jewish life on campus. Support weekly/blockly/yearly rituals and programs by providing ongoing leadership through attendance, presence, and coordination.
• Connect and support students of diverse interests and needs, including students not involved with Hillel who are/may be interested in Jewish Life.
• Communicate with CC families, friends, and alums interested in Jewish Life.
• Coordinate Jewish leadership, budget and program support for Jewish Life and Hillel with the College Chaplain.
• Serve as a liaison from Colorado College to the Jewish community(s) in the region, coordinating connections to local synagogues, rabbis, organizations, and other Jewish services. Serve as the CC liaison to Hillel at local, regional levels.
• Work with the professional staff of the Chaplains’ Office to support the goals and missions of the office including programs which serve the interfaith and pluralistic religious needs of our campus.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree plus experience providing leadership within the Jewish community; trained in the Jewish tradition and able to facilitate Jewish study, prayer and gatherings; organizational, communication, and spiritual care skills; ability to teach Jewish tenants and provide a welcoming space to a diverse student population and college community; previous work and/or volunteer experience, preferably in a Jewish organization and/or working with college-age adults; self-motivated and the ability to work independently, while also appreciating supervision and team-work: a commitment to creating an inclusive, vibrant and pluralistic Jewish community; ability to engage students at all levels in Jewish Life and serve as a resource in a pluralistic setting; ability to work flexible hours and to engage students. Must be able to practice empathy and non-judgement consistently and have appropriate understanding of boundaries and power in spiritual settings. Must be able to demonstrate spiritual care for diverse populations (ethnic, racial, sexual, gender, cultural, religious, age, ability).

• Demonstrated understanding of the role of Chaplaincy within higher education.
• Ability to advance inclusion and equity through the entry point of religious literacy.
• Ability to provide personal and group spiritual care and council.
• Ability to hold room for ambiguity, disagreement, non-resolution, grief and suffering.
• Ability to design large, inclusive rituals, celebrations, and gatherings.
• Conversant in the diverse religious, social, and cultural expressions within Judaism.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and relational manner, balancing student needs and intuitional priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants are welcome to apply even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications. We value diverse perspectives and encourage individuals with a genuine interest in the role to submit their applications. 

Master’s degree in a related field, such as MJED or MJS, training in spiritual and pastoral care, and 3+ years of related experience working in Jewish Communities.