Associate Director at Berkeley Hillel

The Associate Director at Berkeley Hillel is responsible for supervising the Student Life team, overseeing student events and programs, managing a significant program budget, hiring student-facing personnel, and collaborating closely with the Executive Director on initiatives. This multifaceted role requires strong management and interpersonal skills to effectively support staff and foster a thriving Jewish community.

To qualify for the Associate Director position at Berkeley Hillel, candidates should have a Master’s degree along with 6 to 8 years of relevant professional experience, ideally within Jewish organizations. Experience in supervising teams and a strong background in informal Jewish education are also essential attributes for success in this role.

The Associate Director contributes significantly to the Jewish student community at UC Berkeley by managing programs that engage students, supporting staff and leaders, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere. This role is vital in developing creative initiatives that resonate with the diverse student body, ensuring students feel connected and inspired to contribute to Jewish life on campus.

Working as an Associate Director at Berkeley Hillel means being part of a vibrant and passionate team dedicated to enriching Jewish life at UC Berkeley. The environment is collaborative, supportive, and focused on professional development, providing a fulfilling experience and maintaining work-life balance in a beautiful 15,000 sq. ft. facility.

Berkeley Hillel offers a competitive salary range for the Associate Director, along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, unlimited PTO, and professional development opportunities. Additional perks include wellness stipends and transportation reimbursements, making it not just a job, but a truly rewarding career.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples where you've successfully led a diverse team. Discuss your approach to empathy and inclusion, detailing how you resolve conflicts and foster a collaborative work environment that respects all team members’ backgrounds and experiences.

In my response, I would highlight my previous experiences with budget management, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and prioritization. Discuss how you track expenses, ensure accountability, and make data-informed decisions to maintain financial health while delivering impactful programs.

Here, focus on your understanding of community organizing methodologies. Describe how you would tailor outreach efforts, create inclusive programming, and cultivate relationships with students to ensure every voice is heard in the community, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging.

When discussing this, provide examples of your past work in informal Jewish education settings. Emphasize your passion for mentorship, program design, and any innovative approaches you’ve utilized to engage and educate students outside of traditional classroom settings.

In your answer, articulate your ability to see the bigger picture while managing everyday tasks. Discuss how you prioritize projects, delegate effectively, and utilize strategic planning to ensure daily activities align with the organization’s long-term vision.

Be prepared to discuss a specific program from inception to execution. Highlight how you assessed community needs, involved stakeholders in the planning process, and the impact the program had on student engagement and community building.

Explain your approach to mentorship and staff development. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in their professional growth, tailored coaching styles to different personalities, and inspired teams to achieve their goals.

When sharing your vision, focus on creative and inclusive programming ideas that resonate with a diverse student body. Discuss how you would use community feedback to shape initiatives that attract varied participation and foster a sense of belonging.

Detail your conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing open communication, active listening, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. Provide an example of a conflict you successfully navigated, highlighting the outcome and lessons learned.

Talk about your personal approach to engagement, such as being approachable, actively participating in campus events, and finding common ground with students. Highlight how these practices foster trust and meaningful connections within the community.