The Director of Recruitment & Admissions for Religious and Educational Leadership/
Assistant Dean of First Year Rabbinical School Students serves as the lead external ambassador for The Rabbinical School, The H.L. Miller Cantorial School, and the William Davidson School of Jewish Education at JTS. This position is responsible for the recruitment and enrollment of students for the schools under the position’s purview. Underpinning this work is a deep knowledge of Judaism, a keen appreciation and understanding of JTS’s vision for the future of the rabbinate and cantorate and approach to Jewish learning and Jewish life. The Director has excellent pastoral care skills and the ability to powerfully articulate the unique spiritual, academic, and professional preparation that a JTS education provides, and can counsel prospective students through the process of discernment towards the decision of becoming rabbis, cantors, and Jewish educators. Utilizing an innovative and results-oriented approach, they are responsible for the planning, execution, and oversight of the full life cycle of the professional admissions operation. The Director supervises rabbinic and cantorial ambassadors in the field who serve as regional recruiters.
The Director also identifies candidates for and leads the Low-Residency Mekhinah Program, helping to prepare students for successful entry into the Rabbinical and Cantorial Schools. In their capacity as Assistant Dean of the Rabbinical School, they help support and guide students through their transition to JTS, serving as an academic advisor, helping guide them towards spiritual development resources, and supporting them throughout their first year.
This position reports to the Executive Director of Admissions & Enrollment and to the Dean of the Division of Religious Leadership.
Admissions/Recruitment Duties/Responsibilities:
- Facilitate the full recruitment and admissions process for The Rabbinical School, The H.L. Miller Cantorial School, and The William Davidson School of Jewish Education.
- Develop and nurture relationships with prospective students, influencers, and institutional stakeholders to advance enrollment. Build relationships on campuses with strong Jewish communities and Judaic studies departments which might be feeders.
- Communicate with prospective students to encourage campus visits, application submission, and enrollment based on their program of interest. Maintain appropriate follow-up with these students regarding the status of their applications for admission.
- Counsel and support students as they consider their decision to become rabbis or cantors.
- Convene Rabbinical and Cantorial School Admissions Committees and serve as liaison to the Dean’s Office and faculty at JTS.
- Coordinate and implement a nationwide recruitment strategy in concordance with market trends.
- Facilitate the Scholarship and Financial Aid Committee and manage awards for all applicants in caseload.
- Oversee and execute an interview process, including building interview committees and all preparation and follow up that achieves strategic enrollment goals for the Rabbinical and Cantorial Schools.
- Oversee management and evaluation of admissions applications to select qualified candidates.
- Coordinate and oversee Hebrew and Text Skills evaluation process.
- Supervise and mentor Admissions and Recruitment Interns.
- Develop and manage Rabbinical and Cantorial Regional Recruitment Ambassadors.
- Special projects as assigned.
Recruitment Events (Weekend and Evening Hours Expected)
- Organize, plan, and conduct on and off-campus recruitment events.
- Public teaching and writing to enhance the profile of the school.
- Lead presentations to students, administrators, teachers, and community organizations about JTS programs.
- Represent all JTS programs at conferences as needed.
Rabbinic Formation and Education
- Lead Low-Residency Mekhinah program, overseeing faculty and mentoring students in conjunction with DRL Deans.
- Serve as academic advisor for first-year students.
- Oversee end of first year review process.
- Work closely with the Division of Religious Leadership Deans and Cantorial School Director.
Operations Responsibilities:
- Utilize admissions technology to drive recruitment and communication planning.
- Develop weekly statistical reports and analysis of inquiry and applicant pool to enhance recruitment strategies and yield.
- Plan and implement recruitment trips for Director and Ambassadors to schools, synagogues, and communities throughout the admissions cycle.
- Field prospective student, influencer, and counselor phone calls and emails.
- Manage the acceptance, rejection, and scholarship letter processes.
- Maintain, update, and execute strategic communication plan to prospective, admitted, and enrolled students based on current and new recruitment strategy.
- Oversee planning, strategy, and execution for all on- and off-campus events, including open houses and special programs.
Qualifications and Personal Characteristics:
- Rabbinical ordination
- At least one successful professional rabbinic role
- Strong preference for prior admissions and/or recruitment experience.
- Experience working with graduate students and young adults.
- Ability to multi-task, take initiative, and cultivate relationships and partnerships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills—both public speaking and one-on-one.
- Track record of demonstrating sound judgment by making appropriate decisions and knowing when to take initiative in identifying problems and devising solutions.
- Ability to multitask.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrated experience with and a superior track record leading educational cohorts.
- Excellent pastoral care skills.
- Strong relational/Community Organizing skills.
- Computer skills and experience with complex data systems.
- Ability to both work independently and collaborate across multiple departments.
- Demonstrated excellence in customer service and time management skills.
- Confidentiality and discretion.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
JTS welcomes applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, disability, age, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other factors as prohibited by law.