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 $45,000–$50,000.
• 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.

About Hillel International

In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.

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