The Case for Giving

Imagine you could do something today that would extend the horizon of Jewish thought, learning, and peoplehood as far as the eye could see. Imagine you could do something that would facilitate both constructive debate on issues of substance and genuine acceptance of disagreement.

For individual Jewish women and men of every perspective and denomination.

For communities around the globe.

Indeed, for generations to come.

You can.

You can invest in the future of The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, a unique Jewish learning community revolutionizing the study of the classic texts and traditions of Judaism.

Pardes challenges Jews of all backgrounds to deepen their relationship with Judaism through the study of Jewish sources; to strengthen their connection to Israel through personal experience; and to reinforce the fiber of Jewish connectivity and future by forging relationships with peers as diverse as Jewish life itself.

Today, the over 7,300 graduates of Pardes are not only Jewishly literate, they have taken ownership of the foundations of their heritage. In addition, they have refined capabilities for critical thinking; improved communication and interpersonal skills; and they see the Jewish present and future in a more nuanced, sensitive and productive way.

In becoming more knowledgeable, they have also become more passionate and more open. They can authentically be part of and leader of conversations about what it means to be a Jew, and how spiritual and societal issues in today’s fast-paced and often confusing world affect the Jewish people. Pardes graduates are a source of innovation and change and make a transformative difference in every sector of the Jewish world.

But even all of this is just not enough.

That’s why Pardes has embarked on The Campaign for the Generations, a $36 million capital and endowment campaign that will:

  • expand its facilities: to meet growing demand and accommodate more than 4 times the number of students currently participating in Pardes programs;
  • expand its programs: the new building will support more visiting groups; short-term seminars and retreats; and community participants in lectures and cultural events in the auditorium;
  • expand its infrastructure and technology: through systems that support an enhanced teaching and learning environment, Pardes faculty, students and visitors will connect to texts, information, resources and to other people in a dependable and seamless manner; video and streaming technology will enable a new level of remote participation in Pardes learning and engagement with content; and
  • ensure that the resources are available to support a larger and more substantial organization offering new programs to more people in more locations.

And the impact of a successfully completed Campaign for the Generations?

  • another young Jewish person will make a powerful connection to his or her heritage, rather than drift away from it;
  • another will become a teacher in a Jewish school and touch the lives of dozens more students; and
  • another will become the founder of a new Jewish organization, helping hundreds, even thousands more; many more will assume leadership roles in existing organizations.

And the stories will continue. Because of you.

Consider joining your friends, colleagues and neighbors who have already demonstrated leadership and financial commitment to this critical effort. Your contribution to Pardes’s Campaign for the Generations today will resonate in, build, and serve the Jewish community for years, indeed decades, to come.

This is one of the best investments you can make in the future of the Jewish people.

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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