Applications submitted through the Hillel International website will NOT be considered. To apply, please submit your application through the University of Hartford website linked HERE.  

Engagement and Program Coordinator

University of Hartford Hillel

Role Overview

Make your mark on Jewish student life by joining University of Hartford Hillel as the Engagement and Program Coordinator. You will network with students to develop one-on-one relationships, run innovative initiatives, and help them explore their Judaism where they live, work, and study! We are looking for someone who will drive Hillel forward by creating a warm and inclusive environment for Jewish life to thrive so that every student can connect to Jewish life, learning, and Israel in their own unique way. Our brand-new Zachs Hillel Center, opened in Spring 2025, is centrally located on the residential side of campus and serves as a hub of student life.

You are a welcoming, inclusive, dynamic Jewish community builder who creatively engages with University of Hartford students, and inspires their participation and leadership in Jewish life. You will hit the ground running every day, finding new spaces on campus and in the greater Hartford Jewish community that provide inspiration for students' personal Jewish journeys, while setting the framework for each student to connect with Jewish life on their terms. You will be the first point of contact among Jewish students, and will strive for visibility across many facets of campus life in order to reach students where they are. You will be genuinely excited and enthusiastic to about creating an inviting place that inspires students to explore, experience, and create vibrant Jewish lives. This is so much more than your average 9-to-5.

University of Hartford Hillel is both an accredited Hillel as well as a University of Hartford office as a part of the Division of Student Success, and gives excellent exposure and professional experiences in the spaces of student affairs, higher education administration, nonprofit management, and student-facing services. As an employee of the University of Hartford, you are eligible for the many great benefits that all faculty and staff receive.

What You’ll Do

• Model and mentor student leaders and interns in developing leadership skills, such as managing conflict, adhering to deadlines, checking assumptions and clarifying expectations.
• Staff and attend events. Due to the nature of Jewish student life, during the semesters this position will require several nights/weekends, including for Shabbat and holidays.
• Develop and implement opportunities to expand Hillel’s reach and visibility on campus and the greater community through partnerships, relationship building, interfaith initiatives, sponsorships and campus-wide initiatives
• Collaborate with students and colleagues to implement a wide range of programs, including Shabbat and holiday celebrations, social opportunities, social justice projects, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Meet with students from different cohorts and demographics on campus to engage them, identify their interests and connect to opportunities that inspire their Jewish identity.
• Connect students with leadership roles in Hillel and throughout the greater Hartford Jewish community.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with areas of interest across campus, including as the Hartt School, the Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion, Greek life, and others to build positive on-going relationships with students.
• Map out a plan to strategically build one on one relationships with 180 students currently not engaged in Jewish life.
• Coordinate program publicity - oversee marketing, create weekly email, manage social media accounts, assist students with on campus advertising, and manage website content.
• Serve as the key point of contact and logistics manager for all University of Hartford Hillel Birthright trips and immersive break experiences.

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• 1 - 3 years’ professional work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Comfort in working in a pluralistic Jewish environment and supporting a diverse Jewish student population.
• Familiarity with Kosher dietary laws and standards, as you will support the Shabbat experience for a religiously diverse group of students.
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit. Things may not always go according to plan and you must be willing to take risks and learn your wins as well as your losses.
• Confidence initiating and running programs, and comfort asking questions.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and a self-driven motivation.
• Belief that our work isn’t done until every Jewish stude