Spirituality Research / Editing Fellowship

The Spirituality Research Fellow will work together with Yiscah Smith, a spiritual activist, educator, mentor, and meditation guide, who addresses the spiritual practice of encountering the Divine spark within — the foundation of authentic living. Yiscah views Judaism as a spiritual practice.

The Spirituality Fellow will work on the research and editing of Yiscah’s forthcoming book. The work will complement Yiscah’s past ten years of lectures, podcasts and teaching Jewish spiritual texts and practice.

Through the research for the book, the Spirituality Research Fellow will develop an advanced proficiency and personal encounter with the Zohar, Talmud, Medieval rabbinic commentaries, Hassidut and contemporary 20th and 21st century Hassidic and Neo Hassidic teachings. Under mentorship with Yiscah, the Fellow will be guided towards a spiritual practice deeply embedded in our tradition.

The Spirituality Research Fellow’s work will focus on the goal, through the collaborative efforts with Yiscah, of producing the book from both existing and new material.

The Spirituality Research Fellow is a full-time participant of the Pardes Year/Semester program, who has committed to a full year of study at Pardes.

Application deadline: March 22, 2024

Spirituality Research Fellowship Requirements:

Required Skills
  • Interest in Spiritual Practice within the Jewish tradition
  • Proven research experience
  • A familiarity with classic Hassidic teachings and texts
  • Highly organised and detail oriented
  • Ability to see the larger picture of a book project
  • Capacity to see a project through to the end
The Spirituality Research Fellow will:
  • Spend 6 hours/week dedicated to this project, times to be confirmed with the faculty advisor. Most of the research and editing would be completed in the Pardes Beit Midrash, with visits to other sites as needed.
  • Meet weekly with the faculty advisor
  • Participation in Yiscah’s Spirituality course

The Spirituality Research Fellow will receive:

  • A living expenses grant ranging from $200-$600/month (exact amount determined by financial need)
  • Highly subsidized Year Program tuition: $3,000 discount for those not eligible for Masa Israel Journey funding / $2,000 discount for those eligible for Masa funding

Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation

Start date: ASAP

We are seeking a charismatic, creative, and action-oriented Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation to lead this initiative. This individual will play a key role in bridging the gap between the immersive Jerusalem-based Pardes experience and the ongoing life-long learning opportunities we offer in North America.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Implement and Iterate Alumni Engagement Strategies:
    • Enhance the current “menu” of opportunities for Pardes alumni to both “give” to
      and “receive” from, Pardes.
      • Give: Empower alumni to take action, create initiatives, and leverage
        Pardes as a platform for leadership and innovation.
      • Receive: Encourage alumni to engage in continued learning through
        classes, retreats, Shabbatonim, cohorts, and other programs.
    •  Ongoing internal evaluation of efficacy of strategies and implementing iterative
      updates to enhance outcomes.
  • Program Development and Management:
    • In collaboration with the wider team, develop and implement ideas for online and in person classes, including holiday programs, one-off shiurim, and limited series.
    • Oversee the execution of programs including but not limited to: email
      correspondence and registration, coordinating with marketing, Zoom production,
      and post-program evaluation.
    • Ensuring cross-departmental collaboration specifically with the engagement and
      development teams
    •  Serve as the project manager for select alumni cohort learning programs,
      ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes.
  • Community Building and Leadership:
    • Foster strong, relational connections with alumni, encouraging their active
      involvement in the Pardes community.
    • Identify and cultivate connections with key alumni leaders. Lead efforts to inspire alumni to take on leadership roles within their communities, promoting Pardes’ values and educational mission.
    • Cultivate and steward and existing external partnerships with organizations and
      initiatives as it relates to our Pardesnik engagement and activation work
  • Alumni Coaching and Mentorship:
    • Provide coaching and mentorship to alumni interested in developing initiatives, such as micro-grants or local events, and support them in realizing their ideas. This may include group coaching within cohorts.
  • Targeted Recruitment and Outreach:
    • Engage in focused recruitment and outreach efforts to involve specific alumni in relevant Pardes offerings.
    • Collaborate with the wider team to manage recruitment for various programs,
      including necessary follow-up and evaluation.

Qualifications:

  •  Proven experience in alumni relations, community engagement, or a related field.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for building and maintaining relationships.
  • Creativity and initiative in developing new programs and strategies to engage alumni.
  • Passion for Jewish learning and a deep connection to the mission of Pardes.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to engage with alumni across North America.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pardes alumna
  • Experience working in Jewish education or community leadership.
  • Familiarity with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and its programs.
  • Based in New York City

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience: $70,000-$85,000
    100% health insurance coverage for the employee (dependent coverage available)
  • 403b retirement plan with Nationwide with up to 5% contribution by employer
  • Paid time off & Paid holidays (Jewish and secular)
  • FSA
  • Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Remote and hybrid working option and flexible hours
  • Opportunities to travel domestically and to Israel to collaborate across the team
  • Opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing organization with a meaningful mission.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for this role. All applications should be sent to Assistant Director of Programs at Monica at monica@pardes.org.

Cover letters should answer the following questions

  • What makes you passionate about this role and work?
  • What concrete professional or personal experiences have prepared you best for this role?
  • What is one project, strategy or initiative that this job description stimulates in you?
  • How do you ensure great teamwork and successful collaboration?
    PLEASE NOTE:

Applications are due by October 8th and interviews will be the week of October 28th. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Pardes North America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in all organizational facilities without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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