The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Hillel International and The Jewish Theological Seminary Launch Joint Masters Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE PARDES INSTITUTE OF JEWISH STUDIES, HILLEL INTERNATIONAL AND THE JEWISH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY LAUNCH JOINT MASTERS PROGRAM

(JERUSALEM, Israel & WASHINGTON, D.C. & NEW YORK, NY– June 11, 2018) The Pardes Center for Jewish Educators (www.pardes.org.il/), Hillel International (www.hillel.org) and The William Davidson School of The Jewish Theological Seminary (www.jtsa.edu) announced a formal partnership to launch a joint MA program in Experiential Jewish Education.

Set to launch this fall, the three-year program, designed specifically for Hillel professionals, will begin with two years at Pardes in the Pardes Experiential Educators Program, in conjunction with online graduate study, and a third year back on campus. Students will receive an MA in Jewish Education from The William Davidson School and will be placed as Senior Jewish Educators at Hillels’ in North America upon graduation.

“With our balanced focus on rigorous study of Jewish content and personal and communal meaning, we’re uniquely positioned to train Hillel professionals as Senior Jewish Educators,” shared Aviva Golbert, Director of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators.  “We are thrilled to partner with The William Davidson School at JTS in providing the best foundation for Hillel’s strongest educators.”

The new program at Pardes will teach Hillel professionals experiential education skills in order to excel as experiential educators and professionals on campus. The program will synthesize what they learn in their text, ulpan, and community experiences with their professional skills in order to become capable, knowledgeable, and inspiring master Jewish educators.

“Hillel is focused on ensuring that we have the best Jewish educators on staff to serve students throughout the world,” said Chief Talent Officer of Hillel International, Mimi Kravetz. “In developing this program with Pardes and the William Davidson School, we are building our talent pipeline for education positions on campus.”

Hillel International’s research has shown that Senior Jewish Educators are critical in engaging students and have the greatest impact on students’ Jewish growth. On average, educators connect more than 200 students per year to Jewish life, many of whom would not be engaged without their presence. The effect of an educator is much greater on a student with little or no prior involvement with Hillel or those with less structured Jewish backgrounds.

“Education is the passport to the future,” said Dr. Ofra Backenroth, Associate Dean at the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education. “A collaboration between Pardes, Hillel and The William Davidson School promises to be a project that will keep the Jewish spark lit and will contribute to the development of excellent educators with strong Jewish identity, committed to excellent Jewish education and to best practices.”

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The Pardes Center for Jewish Educators, a branch of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies (www.pardes.org.il) in Jerusalem, trains and empowers Jewish studies teachers and experiential Jewish educators and leaders to serve as knowledgeable, skilled, reflective and passionate professionals in diverse Jewish settings.

Hillel International (www.hillel.org) Founded in 1923, Hillel has been enriching the lives of Jewish students for more than 90 years. Today, Hillel International is a global organization that welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel. Hillel is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. As the largest Jewish student organization in the world, Hillel builds connections with emerging adults at more than 550 colleges and universities, and inspires them to direct their own path. During their formative college years, students are challenged to explore, experience, and create vibrant Jewish lives.

JTS (www.JTSA.edu) is a preeminent institution of Jewish higher education, training thoughtful, innovative leaders—rabbis, cantors, educators, lay leaders, and scholars—who strengthen our communities with a vision of Judaism that is deeply grounded in the Jewish past and thoroughly engaged with contemporary society.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Aviva Golbert
Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
Office: + 972-2-673-5210
E-mail: aviva@pardes.org.il

Sarah Garfinkel
West End Strategy Team representing Hillel International
Office: 202-776-7700
Email: sarah@westendstrategy.com

Sarahann Goldstein
The Jewish Theological Seminary
Office: 212-678-8032
E-mail: sargoldstein@jtsa.edu

Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation

Start date: ASAP

We are seeking a charismatic, creative, and action-oriented Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation to lead this initiative. This individual will play a key role in bridging the gap between the immersive Jerusalem-based Pardes experience and the ongoing life-long learning opportunities we offer in North America.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Implement and Iterate Alumni Engagement Strategies:
    • Enhance the current “menu” of opportunities for Pardes alumni to both “give” to
      and “receive” from, Pardes.
      • Give: Empower alumni to take action, create initiatives, and leverage
        Pardes as a platform for leadership and innovation.
      • Receive: Encourage alumni to engage in continued learning through
        classes, retreats, Shabbatonim, cohorts, and other programs.
    •  Ongoing internal evaluation of efficacy of strategies and implementing iterative
      updates to enhance outcomes.
  • Program Development and Management:
    • In collaboration with the wider team, develop and implement ideas for online and in person classes, including holiday programs, one-off shiurim, and limited series.
    • Oversee the execution of programs including but not limited to: email
      correspondence and registration, coordinating with marketing, Zoom production,
      and post-program evaluation.
    • Ensuring cross-departmental collaboration specifically with the engagement and
      development teams
    •  Serve as the project manager for select alumni cohort learning programs,
      ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes.
  • Community Building and Leadership:
    • Foster strong, relational connections with alumni, encouraging their active
      involvement in the Pardes community.
    • Identify and cultivate connections with key alumni leaders. Lead efforts to inspire alumni to take on leadership roles within their communities, promoting Pardes’ values and educational mission.
    • Cultivate and steward and existing external partnerships with organizations and
      initiatives as it relates to our Pardesnik engagement and activation work
  • Alumni Coaching and Mentorship:
    • Provide coaching and mentorship to alumni interested in developing initiatives, such as micro-grants or local events, and support them in realizing their ideas. This may include group coaching within cohorts.
  • Targeted Recruitment and Outreach:
    • Engage in focused recruitment and outreach efforts to involve specific alumni in relevant Pardes offerings.
    • Collaborate with the wider team to manage recruitment for various programs,
      including necessary follow-up and evaluation.

Qualifications:

  •  Proven experience in alumni relations, community engagement, or a related field.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for building and maintaining relationships.
  • Creativity and initiative in developing new programs and strategies to engage alumni.
  • Passion for Jewish learning and a deep connection to the mission of Pardes.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to engage with alumni across North America.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pardes alumna
  • Experience working in Jewish education or community leadership.
  • Familiarity with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and its programs.
  • Based in New York City

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience: $70,000-$85,000
    100% health insurance coverage for the employee (dependent coverage available)
  • 403b retirement plan with Nationwide with up to 5% contribution by employer
  • Paid time off & Paid holidays (Jewish and secular)
  • FSA
  • Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Remote and hybrid working option and flexible hours
  • Opportunities to travel domestically and to Israel to collaborate across the team
  • Opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing organization with a meaningful mission.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for this role. All applications should be sent to Assistant Director of Programs at Monica at monica@pardes.org.

Cover letters should answer the following questions

  • What makes you passionate about this role and work?
  • What concrete professional or personal experiences have prepared you best for this role?
  • What is one project, strategy or initiative that this job description stimulates in you?
  • How do you ensure great teamwork and successful collaboration?
    PLEASE NOTE:

Applications are due by October 8th and interviews will be the week of October 28th. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Pardes North America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in all organizational facilities without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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