Director of Song

Role Overview

The Director of Song at BU Hillel will use music as a powerful tool for connection, engagement, and inspiration, enriching Jewish life on campus through song, prayer, and communal gatherings. This individual will be a Jewish leader, educator, and organizer, working closely with students to foster a vibrant and inclusive musical culture at BU Hillel. Utilizing human-centered design methodology, they will engage in deep listening, collaboration, and iterative problem-solving to derive key insights from students about music, song, arts, and instruments, enabling the implementation of impactful and engaging programs that resonate with the campus community.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Hillel staff to integrate music into educational, spiritual, and community-building initiatives.
• Organize musical programs and workshops, ensuring they are engaging, pluralistic, and accessible to all students.
• Train and mentor student song leaders, empowering them to take on leadership roles in musical and prayer experiences.
• Cultivate relationships with students from diverse Jewish backgrounds, using music to foster a sense of belonging.
• Create new musical traditions and experiences, helping shape the evolving sound of Jewish life at BU Hillel.

Who You Are

We are looking for a passionate, organized, and mission-driven leader who understands the power of music in shaping Jewish identity and community. The ideal candidate will bring:

• A lover of Jewish music and an enthusiastic and talented song leader
• A strong entrepreneurial spirit, with a willingness to take creative risks and learn from both successes and challenges. You bring music, ruach, and spirit to every experience, inspiring students with your passion for Judaism and love of Israel.
• The ability to create space for diverse perspectives and foster an inclusive, welcoming musical culture.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with a natural ability to connect with students from a wide range of backgrounds.
• A desire to support students and provide uplifting musical experiences, especially in moments of challenge.
• A collaborative and proactive communication style, ensuring smooth coordination across Hillel staff and student leaders.
• A commitment to Jewish pluralism, ensuring that music at BU Hillel is welcoming to students from all denominations and levels of observance.

Preferred Experience 

• Experience leading Jewish music in prayer, communal gatherings, or educational settings.
• Proficiency in vocal performance and instrumental accompaniment (guitar or another accompanying instrument preferred).
• Prior experience working with college students in an educational, musical, or leadership capacity.
• Program planning experience, including the development and facilitation of musical events or student leadership training.
• A background in Jewish music, education, or community leadership, with 3-5 years of relevant experience.

If you are passionate about using song to build Jewish life and inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders, we encourage you to apply!

What You’ll Receive

• High-level professional development to help develop core skills and gain expertise from changemakers, engagers, and Jewish life experts.
• Mentoring and career coaching to help you during and after your position
• A network of terrific colleagues from across BU and the Hillel movement.
• Exposure to and partnerships with highly trained and seasoned mental health professionals across BU’s 30,000 student campus
• Travel opportunities, both domestically and internationally, multiple times per year.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, Tax Deferred Retirement Plan, Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability insurances, Flexible Spending Plan, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave.
• A salary of $50,000 - $75,000 depending on level of experience.

About Boston University Hillel

Boston University Hillel is at the hub of a thriving city of Boston, right near Fenway Park. Home to 4,000 Jewish undergraduates and 2000 graduate students, BU Hillel’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower BU students to lead meaningful and joyous Jewish lives. Boston is a vital center for Jewish and young adult and family life. More than ever students need us, and we need to stand with them and to stand with Israel. Here are a few key resources and videos we are sharing with our community:

• Israel in Crisis Campus Plan
• Israel in Crisis Educational Resources
• Standing in Solidarity with Israel Video (Vigil and Shabbat w/ 9 BU Deans)
• BU students sing Hatikvah at BU Hillel Shabbat
• Israel Solidarity Vigil Recap
• Antisemitism Reporting Database

Boston University 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.