Director of Maine Programs

Job Description

Department:

Center for Small Town Jewish Life

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Employee 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 Functions

To 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 Strategy

• Lead the Center’s Maine working group, ensuring alignment of Maine-focused programs with stated goals and the Center’s strategic plan
• Oversee coordination across programs to maximize impact, strengthen integration, and reduce duplication or inefficiencies
• Facilitate working group meetings and serve as the primary point of contact for Maine-based initiatives
• Identify opportunities to expand and enhance Jewish life programming across small-town and rural communities in Maine
  
  

Maine Conference for Jewish Life

• Direct the planning and execution of the annual Maine Conference for Jewish Life
• Coordinate all logistical components, including venue selection, housing, catering, and onsite operations
• Recruit and manage speakers, educators, and program leaders
• Design and implement a multi-day conference schedule that includes ritual elements, youth and teen programming, and cohort-based learning experiences
• Oversee participant recruitment, registration processes, and overall attendee experience
  
  

Youth and Teen Program Leadership

• Co-direct the Center’s youth and teen programs, including the Mid-Maine Jewish Funtensive and the Jewish Youth Connection
• Develop and implement engaging, age appropriate programming that supports Jewish identity, learning, and community connection
• Collaborate with educators, families, and community partners to strengthen youth engagement across the region
  
  

Campus and Community Engagement

• Participate in Colby/Waterville working group, with a focus on strengthening relationships between Colby students and the Beth Israel Congregation community
• Co plan and support key programs and events, including:
• Home Hospitality Shabbat
• Joint holiday events (e.g., Rosh Hashanah community meal, Shabbat Sukkot, Purim, Passover seder support)
• Jewish Learning Fellowship
• Develop and facilitate non-academic learning opportunities for students, including programs such as Takeout and Torah
• Serve as a connector between campus and community partners to foster meaningful and sustained engagement
  
  

Institutional Contribution and Professional Engagement

• Participate actively in Center staff meetings and contribute to cross program collaboration
• Serve as a public representative of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at events and within the broader community
• Contribute as an educator or facilitator in Center programming when appropriate
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current in Jewish education, community engagement, and program leadership practices
  
  

Position Qualifications

Education and/or experience:

• Advanced degree in relevant field, or equivalent in professional experience, required
• Experience in program leadership, community engagement, Jewish education, or nonprofit management
• Experience planning and executing complex programs or conferences
• Experience working with youth and/or teen programming preferred
• Experience working in higher education, non profit, or community based organizations preferred
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with campus, community, and statewide partners
• Ability to think strategically while executing programmatic details
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, community focused environment
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment
  
  

Physical/Mental Demands

The 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.