Assistant Director at University of San Diego and Cal State University San Marcos

As the Assistant Director at Hillel of San Diego, you will be responsible for developing and executing engagement strategies to connect Jewish students at both the University of San Diego and Cal State University San Marcos. This includes building relationships with students, planning and facilitating programming, and managing student engagement initiatives. You'll also oversee social media outreach, participate in grant applications, and foster collaborations with university cultural centers. It's a dynamic role that requires creativity, leadership, and a passion for community.

To qualify for the Assistant Director role at Hillel of San Diego, candidates should possess at least 4 years of experience in Jewish or experiential education, alongside a bachelor's degree. Successful candidates will be strong leaders with exceptional communication skills and a knack for networking. A passion for Jewish culture and community engagement, proficiency in social media management, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial. The ideal candidate will be a proactive thinker and effective problem solver.

As the Assistant Director at Hillel of San Diego, you will find yourself in a collaborative and innovative work environment. Our team values creativity and is committed to delivering high-quality experiences for Jewish students. You will be part of a small, dedicated team that emphasizes personal connections and professional development. Expect to enjoy a friendly atmosphere where laughter is common, and teamwork drives engagement efforts across university campuses.

Hillel of San Diego offers a competitive salary range of $63,000 to $73,000 for the Assistant Director position, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, generous vacation and sick time, parental leave, and additional insurances. Unique opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and even travel to Israel provide a well-rounded experience. You’ll also have access to plenty of Hillel swag and coffee to fuel your creativity!

In the Assistant Director role, you will contribute immensely to the Jewish community at Hillel of San Diego by designing programs that foster engagement among students and connecting them with Jewish life. You'll mentor student leaders, oversee events that celebrate Jewish traditions, and invite innovative ideas that reflect the community’s diverse interests. By building strong relationships on campus, you’ll help students forge connections that can last a lifetime and inspire future Jewish leaders.

To engage Jewish students effectively, I would create a multifaceted engagement strategy that includes personalized outreach, diverse programming reflecting their interests, and collaborative events with cultural organizations. Building relationships is key, so I would prioritize one-on-one interactions to understand their aspirations and how Hillel can support them. Using social media to promote events and share student stories would also be vital in keeping students connected and inspired.

Certainly! In my previous role, I initiated a 'Jewish Cultural Awareness Week' that included workshops, film screenings, and guest speakers from the community. This program not only drew participation from Jewish students but also engaged a broader audience. I focused on collaborative planning with student leaders, ensuring it catered to their interests while fostering a sense of community. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, leading to it becoming an annual event.

I believe in utilizing a blend of social media, word-of-mouth, and partnership with other campus organizations to increase participation. Hosting informal meet-and-greets could help break the ice for new students, alongside creating buzz around key events through engaging content online. I'd also gather feedback after every event to continuously improve and ensure our programming resonates and is accessible to all students.

In a high-pressure environment, I rely on thorough organization and effective communication. I create a priority list at the start of each week, categorizing tasks by urgency and importance. Regular check-ins with my team also help us remain aligned on goals and adjust our plans as necessary. I embrace challenges and view them as opportunities to learn, which helps me stay focused and productive under pressure.

Mentorship is central to my approach as it empowers student leaders to take ownership of their programming and grow in their roles. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance. Through regular one-on-one meetings, I aim to provide constructive feedback and celebrate their successes, fostering a supportive culture that encourages personal development and initiative.

I see Hillel as a vital hub for Jewish students on campus, serving as an inclusive space for connection, learning, and celebration of Jewish culture. By actively engaging with students, collaborating with other organizations, and promoting interfaith dialogue, Hillel can help foster a sense of belonging and community. My goal is to ensure Hillel is perceived as an accessible resource and a vital contributor to campus life.

I envision a series of interactive workshops that teach traditional Jewish crafts or cooking classes that showcase cultural cuisine. Incorporating themed events like storytelling nights or 'Jewish Trivia,' could make learning about heritage fun and engaging. I also think offering trips to culturally significant sites, whether local or in Israel, would allow students to deepen their connection to their heritage in immersive ways.

Building relationships is key to fostering collaboration, so I would start by reaching out to various campus organizations to identify shared goals and potential partnership opportunities. Organizing joint events, like panels or community service days, could bring students together around common causes. I would also advocate for open communication channels between our organizations to share resources and ideas regularly, creating an environment of mutual support.

Evaluating the success of programs involves both quantitative and qualitative measures. I would track participation numbers, feedback from surveys, and engagement metrics on social media. Additionally, holding focus groups with students after events can provide deeper insights into their experiences and suggestions for improvement. The combination of data and personal feedback will guide me in refining our programming to better meet student needs.

I believe the most important quality is the ability to connect genuinely with students and understand their needs. Being approachable and relatable fosters trust and encourages students to engage. Additionally, a strong sense of adaptability is essential, as the dynamic nature of student life requires us to pivot quickly and remain responsive to ever-evolving interests and challenges.