Community Engagement Associate
University of Wisconsin–Madison Hillel
Role Overview
UW Hillel is seeking a thoughtful, energized, and relational Community Engagement Associate to deepen student engagement, oversee communications, and lead our growing career networking initiative. This is a dynamic opportunity to join a vibrant Hillel serving one of the country’s largest Jewish student populations.
You’ll play a key role in building meaningful relationships with students, managing Hillel’s LaunchPad Career Networking Program (scaling from 50 to 150 student mentees), and strengthening our communications channels—including the website and student e-newsletter. A major part of your work will also focus on welcoming, supporting, and engaging first-year students, helping them find their place in Jewish life on campus from day one.
We’re looking for a connector, a mentor, and a creative thinker—someone who can inspire students to explore Jewish identity and well-being in ways that feel personal and relevant.
What You’ll Do
- Build authentic relationships with at least 200 Jewish students annually, including those less connected to Jewish life.
- Lead and scale LaunchPad, Hillel’s professional mentorship program:
- Recruit and support 150 student mentees annually.
- Coordinate mentorship matches, manage student engagement, and grow alumni mentor participation.
- Work with the Director of Advancement and CEO to communicate with Mentors and build systems and impact reporting.
- Manage Hillel’s website content and create an engaging and informative weekly student e-newsletter, café marketing, and social media.
- Design and implement creative programming for first-year students, including orientation outreach, small group experiences, and mentorship connections.
- In Collaboration with senior staff, mentor student interns and engagement fellows.
- Partner with student organizations, campus departments, and interest-based groups to expand Hillel’s reach.
- Collaborate with Hillel’s professional team to support Shabbat, holidays, and campus-wide initiatives.
A Typical Day Might Include
- Meeting a first-year student for coffee to talk about getting involved.
- Coaching a student intern on how to recruit LaunchPad mentees.
- Writing the weekly e-newsletter and updating the website with upcoming events.
- Organizing a first-year dinner or reflection group.
- Supporting a student through a tough week and helping them access wellness support.
- Wrapping up the day by welcoming students to a candlelit Shabbat dinner
What You’ll Bring to the Job
- A Bachelor’s degree and 0–2 years of experience in engagement, education, communications, or related work.
- Strong relationship-building skills and a natural ability to connect with college students.
- Passion for Jewish life, pluralism, and helping others explore identity.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, especially in overseeing programs like LaunchPad.
- Experience with or willingness to learn communications tools (email platforms, websites, Canva, etc.).
- Creativity and initiative in designing innovative and student-centered programs.
- A commitment to student wellness and Jewish values of care, reflection, and resilience.
- Comfort navigating a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with multiple priorities.
What You’ll Receive
- A competitive salary in the range of $44,000–$46,000.
- Health benefits and paid time off, and a fitness center.
- Professional development, training, and mentoring.
- A fun, collaborative, mission-driven work culture.
- The chance to make a lasting impact on Jewish life.
