Westchester JSU Director
Description
Who We Are:
NCSY, a program of the Orthodox Union, connects with Jewish teens through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs to develop a positive Jewish identity. NCSY inspires Jewish teens through informal Jewish education, retreats, and summer programs. NCSY empowers teens through leadership development and guidance to become passionately committed leaders of the Jewish community and instruments for positive change and renewal.
The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, Ⓤ, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.
Position Summary:
The Westchester JSU Director is responsible for expanding and deepening Jewish Student Union (JSU) programming across public and secular high schools in the greater Westchester area. Through relationship-building, vibrant programming, and meaningful Jewish learning, the Director will empower Jewish teens to explore their identity, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their connection to Jewish life and values. This role blends strategic thinking with personal mentorship.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic educator who loves connecting with teens, shows up with heart, and models Torah values in their daily life. JSU clubs serve as a welcoming doorway to Jewish identity, and the JSU Director helps students walk through it with confidence and curiosity.
Key Responsibilities:
JSU Clubs & School Engagement:
- Launch and/or maintain 5–8 weekly JSU Clubs in approved schools, ensuring at least 20 club sessions per year
- Create dynamic, relevant Jewish content for clubs that sparks curiosity and discussion
- Cultivate relationships with school administrators and faculty to support JSU’s presence and growth
- Partner with JSU Global Campus and the Regional team to identify new schools for expansion
Student Engagement & Events:
- Host 2 evening events weekly, focused on engagement, Jewish learning, and personal connection
- Run 1 monthly fun/social event to build community among club participants
- Organize 2+ monthly Shabbat experiences to deepen Jewish connection outside the school setting
- Actively mentor most engaged students, fostering individual religious and leadership growth
Long-Term Impact & Recruitment:
- Recruit students for immersive Jewish experiences such as shabbatons, NCSY Summer programs, especially TJJ, and a gap year
- Guide students in post-high school Jewish life, including Jewish campus engagement and gap-year Israel programs
Community, Fundraising & PR:
- Build strong relationships with parents and alumni through consistent, personal communication
- Support fundraising and “friendraising” initiatives that sustain and grow the impact of JSU
- Promote JSU through local PR, social media, and outreach to increase visibility and community connection
Shabbatonim & Regional Programs:
- Recruit for and participate in local and regional Shabbatonim and conventions
- Collaborate with Regional NCSY team to deliver meaningful, high-quality experiences for teens
Qualifications:
- Experience in teen programming and/or Jewish education (formal or informal)
- A track record of being charismatic, organized, and flexible
- Ability to build trust and connect with both teens and adults
- A solid foundation in Jewish knowledge, including Halacha, Jewish thought, and tradition
- The ability to confidently lead discussions and role model personal growth
Professional Expectations:
- Serve as a role model, reflecting Jewish values and lifelong learning in your own growth
- Attend and contribute to local and national staff trainings and meetings (weekly, monthly, annually, meetings vary by region)
- Maintain a positive, solution-oriented attitude and work collaboratively with peers and supervisors
- Uphold all OU/NCSY policies to ensure a safe, welcoming, and professional environment
- Manage your programming and club budgets responsibly
- Maintain accurate student data and engagement logs in NCSY’s systems
Salary and Benefits:
The salary for this position is between $70,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.
We offer employer-sponsored healthcare, dental and vision plans.
Other benefits include:
- Paid sick days
- Paid vacation days
- Paid Jewish and most Federal holidays
- Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath
- Free life and disability insurance
- Discounted continuing education
- 403(b) retirement plan which the OU will contribute 5% of your wage towards retirement savings after you contribute at least 2% (only eligible after 3 years of continuous service)