First-Year Student Engagement Associate at University of Michigan Hillel

<h1>First-Year Student Engagement Associate</h1> <h2>University of Michigan Hillel</h2> <h2>Role Overview</h2> <p>The First-Year Student Engagement Associate is responsible for building meaningful relationships with first-year students and helping them develop strong connections to Jewish life, learning, leadership, and community during their transition to campus. Through relationship-building, mentorship, and innovative engagement strategies, this professional will create welcoming and accessible entry points into Jewish campus life for a diverse population of Jewish students.</p> <p>The Associate will serve as a primary connector and resource for first-year students as they navigate college life, explore Jewish identity, and seek belonging and community on campus. Working collaboratively with students, colleagues, university partners, and student leaders, this role will help cultivate an engaging and supportive Jewish community rooted in relationship-building, exploration, and student ownership.</p> <p>This role is ideal for someone who is highly relational, energetic, student-centered, and passionate about helping new students build confidence, connection, and community early in their college experience.</p> <h2>What You’ll Do</h2> <p><strong>Engage &amp; Support First-Year Students</strong></p> <ul> <li>Build authentic relationships with first-year students through one-on-one conversations, small-group engagement, and intentional outreach.</li> <li>Create welcoming pathways into Jewish life for students who are new to campus and may not yet feel connected to Jewish community.</li> <li>Help first-year students navigate the transition to college by fostering belonging, community, and peer connection.</li> <li>Identify and engage uninvolved or under-engaged first-year students and connect them to meaningful opportunities for involvement.</li> <li>Connect students with opportunities including leadership programs, internships, immersive experiences, conferences, travel opportunities, and Jewish communal involvement.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Build First-Year Community Through Jewish Experiences</strong></p> <ul> <li>Develop and support welcoming Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, social gatherings, leadership opportunities, and Jewish learning experiences for first-year students.</li> <li>Create low-barrier, relationship-driven engagement opportunities that help students build friendships and community.</li> <li>Brainstorm and pilot innovative approaches to first-year student engagement and participation in Jewish life.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Mentor Emerging Student Leaders</strong></p> <ul> <li>Identify and mentor first-year students with leadership potential.&