American Jewish University (AJU), located in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, stands as a premier institution dedicated to Jewish education, leadership, and scholarship. Established in 2007 through the merger of the University of Judaism (founded in 1947) and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, AJU combines academic rigor with practical training for careers in Jewish communal service. The university operates two campuses: the main Bel Air site for undergraduate and graduate programs, and the expansive Brandeis-Bardin Campus in Simi Valley for experiential learning and retreats. With a focus on fostering Jewish identity, ethics, and professional skills, AJU attracts educators, rabbis, and administrators passionate about higher education in a Jewish context.
Jobs at American Jewish University span faculty, staff, and leadership roles, emphasizing teaching, research, and community engagement. Whether you're seeking positions as a professor in Jewish studies or an administrator in student affairs, opportunities here blend intellectual pursuit with meaningful impact. The institution's small size—around 150 undergraduates and select graduate cohorts—creates a close-knit environment ideal for those who thrive in intimate academic settings. Proximity to Los Angeles offers access to cultural hubs, research collaborations, and diverse professional networks, making it a compelling choice for higher ed careers.
The roots of American Jewish University trace back to post-World War II efforts to rebuild Jewish life in America. The University of Judaism began as a response to the need for trained rabbis and educators amid rising antisemitism and the Holocaust's aftermath. By merging with Brandeis-Bardin, known for its innovative summer camps and leadership programs since 1941, AJU evolved into a multifaceted university. Today, its mission centers on "educating leaders for the Jewish community and beyond," influencing every job description from adjunct lecturer to dean.
This legacy shapes jobs at American Jewish University by prioritizing roles that advance Jewish continuity. Faculty positions often involve developing curricula on Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), Talmudic studies, or modern Jewish thought, while staff roles support nonprofit management training through the university's Fingerhut School of Education. Understanding this history helps candidates tailor applications, highlighting alignment with AJU's values of Torah study, social justice (tikkun olam), and pluralistic Judaism.
Careers at AJU include tenure-track faculty, adjunct professors, research associates, administrative staff, and executive leadership. Faculty jobs focus on departments like the College of Arts and Sciences (liberal arts with Jewish emphasis) and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, offering ordination programs. Administrative positions cover enrollment, advancement, and facilities, often requiring experience in higher ed operations.
For a deeper dive into university job types, consider faculty roles teaching courses on Jewish philosophy or Hebrew language, staff managing community outreach, or specialized positions in digital learning. Recent openings have included lecturers in education and coordinators for experiential programs, reflecting AJU's blend of traditional and innovative approaches. Salaries are competitive for California, with assistant professors earning around $80,000-$100,000 annually, per regional higher ed benchmarks.
To navigate jobs at American Jewish University effectively, key terms include:
Jobs at American Jewish University demand specific credentials tailored to its niche. Required academic qualifications typically include a PhD in Jewish studies, education, or theology for faculty roles; a master's suffices for some staff positions. Research focus centers on areas like contemporary Jewish thought, Israel studies, or educational pedagogy for Jewish youth.
Preferred experience encompasses publications in journals such as Shofar or Journal of Jewish Education, grants from organizations like the Avi Chai Foundation, and teaching in pluralistic settings. Skills and competencies prioritize:
For research assistant jobs, expertise in archival work at AJU's library collections on American Judaism is valued. These align with broader higher ed jobs trends, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.
The application process for jobs at American Jewish University begins with monitoring the careers page on aju.edu or platforms like AcademicJobs.com. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter addressing AJU's mission, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews often include a job talk or mock lesson on Jewish ethics.
Actionable tips:
Average hiring timeline: 3-6 months, with rolling deadlines for adjuncts. Reference how to write a winning academic CV for polished submissions.
American Jewish University champions diversity through targeted initiatives. The Ziegler School trains inclusive rabbis serving LGBTQ+ and interfaith families, with scholarships for underrepresented students. AJU's Office of Diversity promotes Sephardic and Mizrahi studies, countering Ashkenazi dominance. Hiring practices include bias training and partnerships with organizations like Jews of Color Initiative.
Examples: Annual diversity audits, inclusive hiring committees, and programs like the Multicultural Jewish Education certificate. These efforts create equitable workplaces, aligning with employer branding secrets for attracting diverse talent in higher education.
Work-life balance at American Jewish University benefits from its serene Bel Air campus amid hills, with walking trails and ocean views nearby. Flexible schedules accommodate Jewish holidays (e.g., full closure for High Holy Days), and wellness programs include yoga and counseling. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every seventh year, per Jewish tradition.
Campus life buzzes with Shabbat dinners, guest lectures by figures like Rabbi Sharon Brous, and proximity to LA's entertainment (20 minutes to Hollywood). Staff perks: gym access, tuition benefits for family, and community events fostering belonging. In Los Angeles' vibrant scene, employees balance academia with cultural pursuits, supported by competitive parental leave and remote options for admin roles. This holistic approach enhances retention, as noted in higher ed studies.
Choosing jobs at American Jewish University means joining a mission-driven community shaping Jewish futures. With strong ties to LA's Jewish federation and emphasis on practical skills, roles here offer fulfillment beyond traditional academia. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For lecturer aspirations, see become a university lecturer.
