Program & Engagement Associate

Role Overview

Berkeley Hillel is adding two Program & Engagement Associates to the team to support Jewish student life on campus. We’re looking for self-starters who are excited to bring their own passions into the work of engaging Jewish students. Whether you’re energized by social justice, Jewish learning, the arts, music, mental health advocacy, outdoor adventures, Israel, or something else entirely, this role is your opportunity to channel what you love into building Jewish community at UC Berkeley.

As Program Associates, you’ll have the freedom to develop creative, student-centered programming that makes Jewish life exciting, relevant, and accessible. You’ll be social connectors, community builders, and innovators, helping students discover meaningful ways to engage with Judaism on their own terms.

We need people who take initiative, thrive on relationship-building, and isn’t afraid to try new things. If you love the idea of meeting students where they are and bringing your unique passions into the work, this job is for you.

What You’ll Do

(This role is dynamic and evolving, and we want you to bring your own ideas to it!)

• Infuse your own passions into Jewish engagement—whether through social action projects, spirituality, arts and culture, wellness, or other initiatives that excite you
• Build deep, one-on-one relationships with 80-100 Jewish students, helping them find meaningful ways to connect to Jewish life
• Take charge of Berkeley Hillel’s social media presence, using it as a tool to tell compelling stories and foster community
• Lead and grow Berkeley Hillel’s Weekly Kosher BBQ, making it a space for connection, conversation, and engagement for 150+ students each week
• Develop social action and service-learning opportunities, giving students ways to live out Jewish values through justice and activism
• Expand outreach to students in diverse spaces, including Greek Life, co-ops, dorms, and other campus communities
• Build a thriving graduate student community, ensuring Jewish life remains vibrant beyond undergrad
• Organize Welcome Week and the Freshmen Retreat, designing experiences that help new students find their place in Jewish life
• Be a creative force at Hillel—launching new programs, shaping student leadership opportunities, and making Jewish life more engaging and meaningful

What You're Great At:

• Taking initiative—you don’t wait for direction; you see opportunities and make them happen
• Bringing your personal passions into your work, inspiring students with what excites you most
• Building relationships—people naturally open up to you, and you love creating meaningful connections
• Thinking outside the box—you bring fresh ideas and are excited to experiment with new approaches
• Understanding people—you have a high EQ, can read a room, and  feel comfortable engaging different types of students
• Creating spaces where students feel welcome, included, and inspired
• Making Judaism accessible and relevant—you help students find their own connection to Jewish life, in ways that resonate with them.
• Managing multiple projects at once—you’re organized, adaptable, and great at balancing big ideas with small details.

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• A bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of professional experience, or strong collegiate internships/fellowships.
• A go-getter mindset—you thrive in environments where you can take ownership and make things happen.
• A passion for building and strengthening Jewish community.
• The ability to connect with students across diverse backgrounds and interests.
• Strong communication skills, whether you’re talking to students, writing social media posts, or collaborating with colleagues.
• A willingness to take risks, be creative, and learn from experience.
• A deep appreciation for Jewish life, culture, and tradition—whether you grew up deeply involved or found your own path to Jewish engagement

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace: $50,000-$55,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave
• Additional perks: a gym/wellness stipend, transportation stipend, and professional development opportunities

About Berkeley Hillel

Working at Berkeley Hillel means joining a team of passionate, driven, and fun Jewish professionals at the #1 public university in the country. We offer competitive nonprofit salaries, work-life balance, and the opportunity to engage with a student community that is smart, caring, and deeply connected. Our recently renovated 15,000 sq. ft. building, completed in 2018, is a landmark on campus, ideally situated across the street from Berkeley Law and International House. The Bay Area boasts a diverse and thriving Jewish community with countless opportunities for young adults and families to engage Jewishly. Every day, we feel lucky to work on this campus, in this building, with this team—and we hope you’ll join us!

Berkeley Hillel is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.