Associate Director of National Leadership Initiatives

Associate Director Of National Leadership Initiatives

The Associate Director of National Leadership Initiatives supports the development and implementation of programs that strengthen leadership capacity within small-town Jewish communities across the United States. Working in close collaboration with and under the supervision of the Director of National Leadership Initiatives, this role focuses on training lay leaders, fostering peer networks, and connecting communities to national and global resources.

The Associate Director plays a key role in building relationships with community leaders and partner organizations, helping to ensure that small town Jewish communities are supported through relevant, accessible, and responsive programming. This position also contributes to expanding the visibility and impact of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life by strengthening the connections between local communities and broader Jewish communal organizations.

This position may be performed remotely in accordance with Colby College policies, with periodic travel to Maine required.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement training programs that support lay leaders in small-town Jewish communities
• Design and facilitate learning experiences that enhance leadership effectiveness and community sustainability
• Evaluate program outcomes and recommend improvements to strengthen impact

Network Building and Community Engagement

• Facilitate programs and initiatives that foster relationships among leaders of small-town Jewish communities
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders to support ongoing engagement and collaboration
• Identify emerging needs within communities and help shape responsive programming

Resource Access and Partnership Development

• Support community leaders in accessing national and global Jewish communal resources relevant to local challenges
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with national and global Jewish organizations
• Collaborate with partner organizations to expand their capacity to effectively serve small town Jewish communities

Program Administration and Operations

• Manage administrative and operational tasks associated with national leadership initiatives
• Coordinate program logistics, communications, and participant engagement
• Maintain accurate records and support reporting efforts related to program activities

Institutional Contribution and Professional Engagement

• Participate actively in Center staff meetings and contribute to cross-program collaboration
• Serve as an educator or facilitator in Center programming when appropriate
• Represent the Center for Small Town Jewish Life in public facing contexts as needed
• Engage in ongoing professional development

Position Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent in professional experience
• 3-5 years of experience in leadership development, education, Jewish communal service, or a related field
• Experience working with or within small-town Jewish communities preferred
• Strong program development and facilitation skills
• Ability to build relationships across diverse communities and stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team structure
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Cultural competence and commitment to fostering inclusive community environments

Physical/Mental Demands

• To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
• This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
• In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
• This position includes movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
• Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse.
• Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
• The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.
• The noise level on campus is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply Now" button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.