Assistant Director, Office of Spiritual Engagement

Description

This position supports the Office for Spiritual Engagement by managing budgets, coordinating programs and events, fostering inclusive spiritual and Jewish life engagement on campus. This role serves as the first point of contact for the offices and as administrative support and liaison with campus partners.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Dean of Spiritual Engagement to develop and implement interfaith and spiritual programming, with a focus on fostering engagement among diverse and underrepresented student populations. Support partnerships with spiritually affiliated theme houses and student organizations.
• Assist in planning and executing major institutional and spiritual events, including Baccalaureate, as well as other campus-wide initiatives.
• Oversee the Pass the Plate Food Pantry by coordinating student volunteers and supervising student workers. Responsibilities include training students on ordering and restocking inventory, monitoring supplies, and tracking the pantry budget.
• Partner with the Director of the Abbe Center for Jewish Life to plan and implement Jewish life programming, including Shabbat and holiday celebrations, educational events, speakers, and trips.
• Collaborate with local partners including the local synagogue, Temple Beth El, for programming.
• Support the development of the Abbe House as a residential community centered on Jewish identity while remaining inclusive and welcoming to students of all backgrounds.
• Advise and support the Hillel student organization by leveraging resources from Hillel International, and by mentoring student leaders, including Hillel Board members, to strengthen leadership development and organizational effectiveness.
• Manage budgets for both the Office for Spiritual Engagement and the Abbe Center for Jewish Life, including ordering supplies and submitting receipts through Unimarket and institutional application systems.

Other Information:

This is a full-time, 10-month, benefits-eligible position. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year, with a possible shortened workweek during the scheduled summer hours' time period. Salary: $53,000

About HWS

A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.

Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men's Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Experience in administration, public service, and leadership
• Demonstrates an understanding of higher education culture
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrates professionalism, tact, inclusivity, and gracious hospitality
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interfaith team
• Strong initiative, planning, and organizational skills, with a commitment to building community
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (preferably Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Experience with database software or willingness to learn
• Ability to handle and maintain highly confidential and sensitive information