Program Coordinator, Jewish Life

Program Coordinator, Jewish Life

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a dynamic Program Coordinator to focus on the needs and cultural experiences of Jewish student communities. This role is a two-year term position and will involve connecting students to various university resources and services in a coordinated manner, fostering connections among students, and collaborating with various offices and student groups. The role will work with all students, across all backgrounds, so they feel valued, supported, and able to thrive at Penn. The ideal candidate will be able to bridge the gap between administration and student experiences, assisting in creating changes that enhance the lives of students and promote mutual respect, ethical responsibility and a shared commitment to a flourishing educational experience. The Program Coordinator will be responsible for facilitating communication, outreach, and logistical support for programs, with a particular focus on initiatives that build bridges and creates community with myriad topics connected to Jewish programming.

Job Responsibilities

• Student Engagement and Support : Partner with departments, such as the Spiritual and Religious Life Center, the Office of Religious and Ethnic Interests (Title VI), College Houses, Wellness, academic units, and student organizations to raise awareness of the needs, challenges, and experiences of Jewish students, and to collaborate on programming to foster a sense of belonging and connection among Jewish student communities and build bridges with other religious and cultural communities on campus.
• Partner with the established Jewish life centers (including Hillel, Chabad, and MEOR) and other departments on campus to achieve these goals.
• Build partnerships with other university offices, departments, and student organizations to address shared goals and interests.
• Coordinate communication strategies to promote programs and engage with university stakeholders.
• Collaborate with university departments to promote cultural events, workshops, and discussions to facilitate dialogue and understanding within the university community.
• Support program logistics including scheduling, venue coordination, and materials preparation.
• Ensure smooth execution of program activities, troubleshooting any issues as they arise.
• Develop and maintain relationships with program participants, providing ongoing support and assistance.
• Conduct outreach to ensure program inclusivity and accessibility to diverse populations at Penn.
• Work closely with program staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to achieve program goals.
• Contribute to team meetings, planning sessions, and collaborative initiatives.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and 1-2 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Knowledge of issues facing Jewish student communities, both domestically and internationally. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff. Experience in program development, event planning, or community organizing. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Experience working with student communities in a higher education setting. Demonstrated commitment to Penn's values including excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect. Ability to navigate complex institutional environments and build consensus among stakeholders.

Application Requirement : A Cover Letter and Resume / CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume / CV; multiple documents are allowed.

Job Location - City, State : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School : Student Services

Pay Range : $49,500.00 - $55,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements : Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits :

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

Retirement : Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Time Away from Work : Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with familywhatever your personal needs may be.

Long-Term Care Insurance : In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility.

Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

Professional and Personal Development : Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

University Resources : As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitementand you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

Flexible Work Hours : Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and / or job structures.

Penn Home Ownership Services : Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

Adoption Assistance : Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit : https : / / www.hr.upenn.edu / PennHR / benefits-pay