JSU Assistant Director - Manhattan

Description Who We Are

NCSY, a program of the Orthodox Union, connects with Jewish teens through innovative, cutting‑edge social and recreational programs to develop a positive Jewish identity. NCSY inspires Jewish teens through informal Jewish education, retreats, and summer programs. NCSY empowers teens through leadership development and guidance to become passionately committed leaders of the Jewish community and instruments for positive change and renewal.

A JSU Club is a school‑based Jewish student group run by NCSY’s Jewish Student Union (JSU), providing Jewish teens in public and non‑Jewish private high schools with meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and build community. Through engaging discussions, social activities, leadership development, and Jewish experiences, JSU clubs foster identity, belonging, and pride in a warm and inclusive environment.

The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.

The Assistant JSU Director is responsible for launching, growing, and deepening Jewish Student Union (JSU) programming across public and secular high schools. Through vibrant Jewish experiences, authentic mentorship, and strategic outreach, the Assistant JSU Director empowers Jewish teens to explore their identity, grow as leaders, and strengthen their connection to Jewish life.

This is a unique role that blends educational leadership and relational strategy. The ideal candidate is a dynamic Jewish educator, deeply passionate about teens, and energized by the challenge of building something lasting. JSU clubs serve as an entryway to Jewish identity and the JSU Assistant Director helps students engage with their heritage with confidence and curiosity. In this role, the JSU Assistant Director is expected to serve as a Jewish role model and lifelong learner, inspiring students through both personal example and meaningful content.

They are also responsible for ensuring a safe, welcoming, and mission‑aligned program environment, in accordance with OU/NCSY policies and values.

This is a full‑time position. Some nights and weekends required. The candidate must live in New York City.

• Launch, maintain, and lead 4 weekly JSU Clubs in Manhattan schools, ensuring at least 20 club sessions per year
• Create dynamic, relevant Jewish content for clubs that sparks curiosity and discussion
• Cultivate relationships with school administrators and faculty to support JSU’s presence and growth
• Partner with JSU Global Campus and the Regional team to identify new schools for expansion

• Host 2 weekly evening events for Manhattan teens focused on engagement, Jewish learning, and personal connection
• Run 1 monthly fun/social events to build community among club participants
• Organize 1 monthly local Shabbat experiences to deepen Jewish connection outside the school setting
• Actively mentor most engaged students, fostering individual religious and leadership growth

• Recruit Manhattan area students for immersive Jewish experiences such as Shabbatons, NCSY Summer programs, especially TJJ, and gap year
• Guide students in post‑high school Jewish life, including Jewish campus engagement and gap‑year Israel programs

• Build strong relationships with parents and alumni through consistent, personal communication
• Support fundraising and "friend raising" initiatives that sustain and grow the impact of JSU
• Promote JSU through local PR, social media, and outreach to increase visibility and community connection

• Recruit for and participate in local and regional Shabbato ns and conventions
• Collaborate with the Regional NCSY team to deliver meaningful, high‑quality experiences for…