Fain Family Director of Jewish at University of Hartford Hillel Hartford, Connecticut, Uni

Fain Family Director of Jewish Life at University of Hartford Hillel

Hartford, Connecticut, United States

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 .

Provides strategic leadership for the University of Hartford’s Hillel and Office of Jewish Life, advancing the University’s priorities related to student success, financial sustainability, academic excellence and external engagement. Assumes responsibility for strengthening Jewish student engagement, leadership development and identity exploration through high-impact programming, immersive experiences and campus and community partnerships. Serves as the primary Jewish life professional on campus; a strategic partner to Admissions, Enrollment Management and Orientation;

and a key collaborator with alumni, parents and Development and Alumni Affairs to support annual fundraising initiatives and long-term sustainability. Performs all duties in full support of the University’s mission, understanding that the positive and effective execution of those duties is instrumental to the education of the University’s students.

Student Engagement

• Creates and sustains welcoming, engaging and student-centered environments within the Zachs Hillel Center and larger campus community.
• Recruits, advises and mentors Hillel student leaders and affiliated student organizations, supporting leadership pipelines that enhance student engagement and persistence.
• Designs and implements Jewish Life programming—including Shabbat and holiday observances, educational programs, cultural initiatives, service learning and social justice experiences—that encourage continued student involvement throughout their college career.
• Leads immersive experiences such as Taglit-Birthright Israel and Alternative Spring Break trips, using pre- and post-experience engagement to strengthen ongoing student connection to campus.
• Provides direct oversight of the Hillel and Jewish Life budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with University priorities.
• Partners with Development and Alumni Affairs to support annual fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship and philanthropic goals benefiting the University, Hillel and Jewish Life.
• Identifies and supports revenue-generating opportunities connected to the Zachs Hillel Center, including food service coordination, event rentals, alumni and community programming and external partnerships.
• Writes and manages grant proposals and oversees active funding agreements that contribute to operational sustainability and long-term growth.

Academic Excellence

• Enhances the overall student learning environment by providing co-curricular experiences that complement academic work and support wellness, leadership development, identity exploration and civic engagement.
• Collaborates with academic departments, Judaic Studies and campus partners to integrate Jewish Life programming into the broader educational experience.
• Serves as an informal Jewish educator and mentor, supporting students’ intellectual, personal and leadership development in preparation for life beyond college.

External Engagement

• Builds and sustains meaningful relationships with Jewish alumni and parents to support mentorship, engagement and philanthropic involvement.
• Serves as a visible representative of the University of Hartford within local, regional and national Jewish and higher education networks.
• Serves as the primary liaison to Hillel International and maintains affiliation agreements and external partnerships.
• Partners with Admissions and Orientation to support recruitment, yield and retention of Jewish students.
• Participates in university wide recruitment efforts, including but not limited to open houses, campus visits, Accepted Student Days and ongoing outreach to prospective and admitted students and families.

Departmental & Administrative Oversight

• Provides comprehensive oversight of Hillel and Jewish Life operations, including staffing, assessment, policy implementation, programming and day-to-day administration.
• Recruits, hires,…