Director of Wellness at Boston University Hillel

The Director of Wellness at Boston University Hillel is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive wellness programming strategy, which includes creating engaging student-led wellness events, collaborating with campus partners to promote health, and empowering student leaders to design wellness experiences tailored to their peers' needs. This impactful role focuses on enhancing the overall well-being of the Jewish student community.

Candidates for the Director of Wellness role at Boston University Hillel should ideally possess a graduate-level degree in social work, psychology, or public health, alongside 3-5 years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working with college students and should exhibit strong relationship-building skills to effectively connect with a diverse student population.

The Director of Wellness supports student mental health by facilitating connections to campus resources such as BU Behavioral Health services, conducting wellness-focused workshops, and mentoring student leaders. This role seeks to create a supportive environment through comprehensive programs that address the social, emotional, and physical health needs of the student body.

The Director of Wellness will launch various initiatives at Boston University Hillel, including wellness retreats, Jewish learning wellness classes, and student-led programs aimed at creating meaningful connections among students. These initiatives are designed to promote an understanding of well-being rooted in Jewish traditions while addressing contemporary wellness challenges faced by students.

Boston University Hillel offers the Director of Wellness substantial professional development opportunities, including mentoring from experienced professionals in Jewish life, exposure to mental health experts, and valuable networking opportunities within the Hillel movement. Additionally, the position provides travel opportunities and exposure to broader initiatives in Jewish leadership.

To develop effective wellness programs for Jewish students at Boston University Hillel, I would begin by conducting comprehensive assessments to understand student needs and interests. Collaborating with student leaders and campus wellness partners would ensure that programs are relevant, inclusive, and empower students to take charge of their wellness journeys.

In my previous role, I initiated a mental health awareness campaign that provided resources and workshops for students. Collaborating with mental health professionals, we created peer support groups and hosted events that fostered open discussions about mental wellness, which significantly decreased stigma and encouraged students to seek help.

I would leverage various engagement strategies, such as using social media for outreach, hosting interactive workshops, and creating incentive-based programs to encourage participation. Understanding student interests through surveys and informal discussions would also be crucial in tailoring activities that resonate with them.

Building strong relationships between students and wellness resources requires clear communication and accessibility. I would organize informational sessions that introduce students to available resources, and collaborate with those services to integrate them into programs that facilitate positive student experiences.

Jewish teachings offer profound insights into wellness, emphasizing community, compassion, and reflective practices. Integrating these teachings into wellness programs not only provides a cultural context but also fosters a sense of belonging and personal growth among students as they navigate their wellness journeys.

To ensure diversity and inclusion, I would prioritize actively engaging students from varied backgrounds in program planning. Creating spaces for multiple voices and perspectives to be heard allows for more holistic wellness programming that caters to the unique needs of our diverse community.

I would measure success through both quantitative metrics, such as attendance and participation rates, and qualitative feedback gathered from student surveys or focus groups. This combination provides a holistic view of how programs are benefiting students and where there might be areas for improvement.

Integrating mental health support into Hillel’s programs involves training staff to identify signs of distress, offering wellness workshops that include mental health education, and creating a referral process for students needing further assistance. It’s also essential to ensure mental health topics are normalized within our activities.

I am drawn to the opportunity at Boston University Hillel because of its commitment to fostering a vibrant Jewish community. The chance to make a tangible impact on the well-being of students while leading initiatives that resonate with both Jewish values and student needs aligns perfectly with my professional goals.

Throughout my career, I have taken on various leadership roles that involve mentoring students and facilitating teamwork. I believe in empowering individuals by providing guidance, crafting opportunities for growth, and nurturing an environment that celebrates both achievements and learning from challenges.