Cohn Visiting Chair in Jewish Thought, Assistant Director Center Catholic-Jewish Studies

Job Description Summary The Cohn Visiting Chair in Jewish Thought/Assistant Director of the CCJS position brings a Jewish scholar specializing in Jewish thought to Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS). It is made possible by the generosity of Maureen and Douglas Cohn, and it establishes the regular presence of a Jewish scholarly voice on interreligious issues in the Tampa Bay community and beyond, something which is needed in the region.

The Cohn Visiting Chair in Jewish Thought/Assistant Director of the CCJS position is a one-year visiting appointment with the possibility of renewal as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Theology and Religion; and as Assistant Director of the CCJS. The position is devoted to scholarly research and teaching focused on Jewish thought as it relates to Christianity, and contemporary challenges.

The CCJS welcomes diverse approaches to Catholic-Jewish Studies including historical, dialogical, comparative, and theological. It also collaborates with the CCJS director and local religious leaders to organize, coordinate, and lead interreligious education programs on campus and in the local community.

The Cohn Visiting Chair allows students, faculty, and members of the community to significantly deepen their understanding of Judaism by having direct and regular access to a specialist in Jewish thought. The Cohn Visiting Chair engages members of the Tampa Bay Jewish Community, including lay leaders, synagogue rabbis, and non-affiliated Jews by creating interactive dialogue and community-focused events and programs. The position puts scholarship on Jewish thought and culture in dialogue with other religions and contemporary challenges on the Saint Leo campus, in the local community, and among scholars of Christian-Jewish relations.

The position directly reports to the Director of the CCJS and to the VPAA.

Job Description Duties and Tasks:

The Cohn Visiting Chair in Jewish Thought/Assistant Director of the CCJS takes on the following responsibilities during each academic year of residence:
1) Organize and lead an interfaith education program for the local community;
2) teach a series of spring educational workshops for the local community;
3) teach one undergraduate course per semester at Saint Leo University;
4) design an online course in Jewish thought for Saint Leo University.

REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

PhD in the field of Theology and/or Religious Studies by the time of appointment (ABD may be considered).A commitment to Catholic-Jewish studies and interreligious dialogue.

Broad knowledge of the history of Jewish religious, philosophical, and ethical thought.

Experience in interacting with Jewish Community members and institutions, and a demonstrated ability to connect with Jews and Christians of all backgrounds, denominations, and affiliations.

A compelling research agenda that promises significant work in the field.

Competence or experience relevant to coordinating academic programs, including implementing event programming logistics from start to finish, and coordinating with CCJS staff.

Competence in teaching a range of courses in Judaism. A special interest in the study of Judaism’s relationship to Christianity is preferred.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS In addition to your curriculum vitae, the following documents are required for consideration. Please be sure to check the email under which you applied for important instructions on completing remaining steps, including uploading documents in the second step of the application packet process as follows:

Cover Letter Teaching Philosophy - (500 words or less), should highlight how your teaching philosophy and practices fit the Mission and Values of Saint Leo…