Engagement Associate at University of Kansas Hillel Kansas Metro Area; Lawrence, Kansas, U

Engagement Associate

University of Kansas Hillel, Kansas City Metro Area;
Lawrence, Kansas, United States

Make your mark on Jewish student life by joining KU Hillel as our next Engagement Associate. You will build one‑on‑one relationships with students, plan and execute engaging events and programs around campus, and help inspire students to make a commitment to Jewish life. KU Hillel proudly serves more than 1,000 Jewish Jayhawks with a dynamic professional team and strong community partnerships.

KU Hillel is a student‑centric, data‑informed team committed to dreaming big, entrepreneurial thinking, and always creating new opportunities to build student leadership, provide pre‑professional training, and build a sense of belonging on campus.

This is a relationship‑focused, student‑facing role, perfect for folks who love meeting new faces, building authentic relationships over coffee, and connecting students with opportunities. The role is ideal for an early‑career professional, even right out of college, especially someone with experience in Jewish summer camps, youth group leadership, athletics, or experiential education, who is energized by working directly with students, building belonging through shared experiences, and reaching students who may not initially see themselves in traditional Hillel spaces.

It’s more than a 9‑to‑5. Most importantly, you’ll be excited to support and be supported by a community that sees KU as home. After all, you are in Kansas!

• Be the first face and warm welcome to KU students, fostering a community of belonging among Jewish students on campus.
• Take a leading role in representing KU Hillel on campus through visible and head‑turning opportunities to ensure every student can discover who we are.
• Work with our first‑year student community, students in Greek life, and students from multi-faith families.
• Supervise, mentor, and empower student leaders and volunteers to own Jewish programming and outreach.
• Meet yet‑to‑be‑engaged students wherever they are—on campus dining halls, downtown coffee shops, or grilling kosher hot dogs on Greek Row.
• Plan and engage students to facilitate regular Shabbat and holiday experiences, as well as social programming. If you enjoy challah baking or experimenting with recipes, we’ve got an extra apron for you.
• Assist the KU Hillel team with other on‑campus activities, including recruitment for Birthright Israel trips and cohort‑based learning opportunities.
• Track engagement data and use metrics to inform program development and outreach efforts.

• You thrive on meeting new people, understanding their interests, and forging meaningful connections.
• You have experience in Jewish summer camps, youth groups, or experiential leadership (strongly preferred).
• You enjoy working collaboratively with a team to solve problems and explore new initiatives.
• You see yourself as a creative person who takes initiative and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• You’ve demonstrated interest in student engagement, leadership development, and Jewish life.
• You have the ability to work collaboratively while also taking ownership of projects and relationships.
• You’re comfortable working a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays.

• Recent college graduates or graduating seniors with 0‑2 years experience; relevant internship and leadership experience encouraged.
• This is an in‑person role located in Lawrence, KS; remote work is not available.
• A deep passion for Jewishness, Judaism, the Jewish people, and Israel.
• An entrepreneurial spirit—excited to take smart risks, try new ideas, and learn from setbacks.
• Confidence in initiating, brainstorming, and running programs—both independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with Google Suite, Canva, and social media platforms is a plus.
• A willingness to work nights and occasional weekends when students are available, and to take time off to recharge.

• The salary range for this role is $45,000 - $48,000.
• Monthly cell phone stipend.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurances, Flexible Spending accounts, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave.
• High‑level professional development to help develop core skills and gain expertise from changemakers, engagers, and Jewish life experts.
• Mentoring and career coaching throughout your position.
• A network of terrific colleagues from across the Hillel movement.
• Travel opportunities, both domestically and internationally, multiple times per year.

Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.