Director of Maine Programs

Job DescriptionDepartment:Center for Small Town Jewish LifePay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:The Director of Maine Programs provides strategic leadership, coordination, and implementation of Maine-focused initiatives within the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College. This position advances the Center’s mission to strengthen Jewish life in small town and rural communities by developing and overseeing programs that foster community engagement, Jewish learning, and meaningful connections across Maine.Reporting to the Deputy Director for Center for Small Town Jewish Life, the Director leads the Center’s Maine Working group, oversees flagship initiatives such as the Maine Conference for Jewish Life, and co-directs youth and teen programming. The role works collaboratively with campus partners, local congregations, community organizations, and statewide stakeholders to ensure programs are aligned, impactful, and responsive to community needs.As a senior member of the Center’s team, the Director serves as a visible representative of the Center and contributes to strategic planning, program development, and community partnerships that extend Colby College’s engagement across the state.Essential FunctionsTo be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.Maine Programs Leadership and StrategyLead the Center’s Maine working group, ensuring alignment of Maine-focused programs with stated goals and the Center’s strategic planOversee coordination across programs to maximize impact, strengthen integration, and reduce duplication or inefficienciesFacilitate working group meetings and serve as the primary point of contact for Maine-based initiativesIdentify opportunities to expand and enhance Jewish life programming across small-town and rural communities in MaineMaine Conference for Jewish LifeDirect the planning and execution of the annual Maine Conference for Jewish LifeCoordinate all logistical components, including venue selection, housing, catering, and onsite operationsRecruit and manage speakers, educators, and program leadersDesign and implement a multi-day conference schedule that includes ritual elements, youth and teen programming, and cohort-based learning experiencesOversee participant recruitment, registration processes, and overall attendee experienceYouth and Teen Program LeadershipCo-direct the Center’s youth and teen programs, including the Mid-Maine Jewish Funtensive and the Jewish Youth ConnectionDevelop and implement engaging, age appropriate programming that supports Jewish identity, learning, and community connectionCollaborate with educators, families, and community partners to strengthen youth engagement across the regionCampus and Community EngagementParticipate in Colby/Waterville working group, with a focus on strengthening relationships between Colby students and the Beth Israel Congregation communityCo plan and support key programs and events, including:Home Hospitality ShabbatJoint holiday events (e.g., Rosh Hashanah community meal, Shabbat Sukkot, Purim, Passover seder support)Jewish Learning FellowshipDevelop and facilitate non-academic learning opportunities for students, including programs such as Takeout and TorahServe as a connector between campus and community partners to foster meaningful and sustained engagementInstitutional Contribution and Professional EngagementParticipate actively in Center staff meetings and contribute to cross program collaborationServe as a public representative of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at events and within the broader communityContribute as an educator or facilitator in Center programming when appropriateEngage in ongoing professional development to remain current in Jewish education, community engagement, and program leadership practicesPosition QualificationsEducation and/or experience:Advanced degree in relevant field, or equivalent in professional experience, requiredExperience in program leadership, community engagement, Jewish education, or nonprofit managementExperience planning and executing complex programs or conferencesExperience working with youth and/or teen programming preferredExperience working in higher education, non profit, or community based organizations preferredStrong leadership, organizational, and project management skillsAbility to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneouslyExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiencesDemonstrated ability to build relationships with campus, community, and statewide partnersAbility to think strategically while executing programmatic detailsFlexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, community focused environmentCommitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environmentPhysical/Mental DemandsThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.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 regular 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 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.