Engagement Manager, The Grad Network

Columbia/Barnard Hillel

Role Overview

Since 2018, The Grad Network has been a hub of Jewish life for graduate and professional students at Columbia University. The Grad Network not only builds community among Jewish students on campus, but also connects students to meaningful Jewish experiences throughout NYC. While our mission is constant, our methods are defined only by the limits of our community’s imagination. 

The Grad Network initiatives draw upon the rigorous and intellectually-exciting environment of both Columbia University and New York City. As much as The Grad Network contributes to the campus community, it is a part of the Jewish ecosystem in New York City. The Engagement Manager for The Grad Network will be responsible for building relationships with Jewish graduate students across Columbia’s three campuses, collaborating with Jewish professionals in the city, and facilitating meaningful Jewish experiences for our graduate student population. 

This position will work closely with and be supervised by the Director of The Grad Network. This is a fully in-person role that requires a flexible schedule and the ability to work occasional nights and weekends. 

What You’ll Do

• One-on-one Engagement: You are first and foremost an engager. Meet graduate students on campus in order to build authentic relationships and to help connect students to friends, community, and experiences. You will build relationships with graduate students who are mostly un- or under-engaged in Jewish life or are seeking connections to Jewish life in ways that aren’t already offered.
• Community Partnerships: Design a diverse, accessible, and compelling set of Jewish experiences throughout the city and in our surrounding neighborhoods to bring Jewish life beyond Columbia’s campus and meaningfully connect Jewish graduate students to Jewish life, history, and opportunities throughout New York. You’ll do this through building relationships with Jewish community partners throughout the city and producing collaborative initiatives.
• Shabbat and Holidays: Elevate the Jewish experiences of students on campus by leading our efforts around Grad Network Shabbat (a monthly Shabbat dinner) and holiday experiences for graduate students. Empower students to create their own celebrations and experiences with your guidance. 
• Jewish & Israel Education: Support and lead an arc of programs and educational opportunities that deepen graduate students’ engagement with big Jewish questions.
• Communication: Expand reach by maintaining and growing The Grad Network’s communication channels. Produce the weekly community newsletter, manage social media platforms, and share information with University communication systems.

What You’ve Accomplished

• Bachelor’s degree required. 2+ years of post-graduate, full-time work experience or a graduate degree in Jewish studies, Experiential Education, Social Work, or a related field.
• Experience in grassroots community organizing, Hillel, youth movements, camping, or experiential Jewish education is a plus

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• A strong knowledge base of Jewish content, ranging from traditional Jewish texts to contemporary Jewish wisdom, culture and unconventional Jewish sources.
• Expertise in leading complex conversations about Judaism and Israel in a way that is approachable and meets students at various points in their personal Jewishjourneys.

• A commitment to creating an inclusive, vibrant and pluralistic Jewish community.
• Passion for connecting with people from different backgrounds, with the goal of building authentic and meaningful relationships
• Familiarity with the landscape of Jewish life in New York and enthusiasm for the breadth of Jewish expression in the city
• Excellent communication and active listening skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary in the non-profit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $60,000-75,000, commensurate with experience.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity (GSRA), pension plan, life insurance, Long Term Disability (LTD), Flexible Spending Plan, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave
• Great professional development, mentoring, and skill building opportunities
• Dedicated and fun colleagues who will support you along the way

About Columbia/Barnard Hillel

Columbia/Barnard Hillel is an exciting, fast-paced, intellectually rigorous work environment. We are a high energy, dedicated team of professionals committed to enriching the Jewish experience of our students. Columbia/Barnard Hillel serves the undergraduate and graduate Jewish communities of Columbia University, Barnard College, and The Jewish Theological Seminary. There is a large and very active Jewish community based in the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life and around campus. While more than 1,700 Jewish students, including more than 600 graduate students, are involved with Hillel, there are many students who have not found their Jewish niche on campus.

Columbia/Barnard Hillel is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.