Temporary Community Educator, Genesis Summer 2024

Genesis is a three-week residential program at Brandeis University for approximately 50 outstanding Jewish high school students from across the world. Students choose from one of two academic courses, taught by Brandeis-affiliated instructors. Courses meet for two hours each morning, Monday-Friday with time for Nesiyot (mini-courses) in the afternoons, and informal programming in the evenings and on Shabbat. Course work leads up to a capstone project. The Genesis Community Educator (CE) is an immersive position defined by educational collaboration, experimentation and community-building to create an exceptional growth experience for participants from around the world. We deeply value a diverse staff to apply. 

Qualifications:

• Have completed an undergraduate degree by the start of the summer (current or previous graduate work in Jewish studies, Jewish education or current rabbinical school enrollment preferred);

• Possess teaching experience, especially in experiential education and with teens;

• Have experience in and strong familiarity with Jewish community and a range of Jewish practice and observance;

• Ability to lead (or assist in leading) daily minyanim, tefillah and other spiritual practice endeavors;

• Be creative, flexible, collaborative and enthusiastic.

Key Responsibilities:

Residential and Community Life 

• Live in the residence halls with the participants; 

• Monitor participants’ physical and emotional well-being and serve as positive role models; 

• Support the participants in following the community guidelines and making responsible decisions as they negotiate living in the community at Brandeis; 

• Create a supportive environment within which participants can expand their comfort zones and explore new ways of expressing themselves, including facilitating daily small-group batim (houses/homerooms);

• Lead Bayit (daily small-group meeting) and collaborate with participants to shape a vibrant, diverse, pluralistic Jewish community.

Jewish Life and Educational Programming 

Nesiyot /Expeditions 

Each CE will design and facilitate a three-week (2 sessions per week)“nesiyah ” for a small group of participants that explores important facets of community: people, ideas, and experiences. Nesiyot are hands-on programs that involve authentic experiences shaped by the participants. CEs do much of the individual planning of Nesiyot prior to the summer with support from senior staff. Collaborative planning is encouraged throughout the summer.

Shabbat

CEs work with senior staff and students in weekly Shabbat planning, leadership, and celebration. This will include CE leadership of tefilah (prayer) and/or limudim (learning sessions), as well as offering morning or evening kavanot (spiritual practices).

Chofesh : Recreational Options 

CEs are responsible for offering recreational activities (sports, arts & crafts, music, etc) during chofesh (free time). 

Tochniyot: Evening Programming

In collaboration with the TAs and students, CEs work to create and implement a variety of social and educational evening programs. Most programs will occur on campus, with the occasional evening out for a special concert or event.

Program Dates

Sunday, July 7-Sunday, July 28

Staff Training Dates

Wednesday, July 3-Saturday, July 6: Staff Orientation in residence at Brandeis.

Compensation

$3000 plus room and board (suite-style living with other Genesis staff).

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans.  Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations.  Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society.  Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.

If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.