Employment

About

The Yiddish Book Center offers meaningful and challenging positions, a warm, friendly atmosphere, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits. We are seeking applicants for the following positions (see details below):

 

Program Manager for 40th Anniversary Initiatives

The Yiddish Book Center is seeking a Program Manager for 40th Anniversary Initiatives. This individual will work with the Executive Director, Project Director and other staff in organizing and implementing programs for the Center’s 40th anniversary in 2020. The Yiddish Book Center offers meaningful and challenging positions, a warm, friendly atmosphere, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits. This is a two-year position with longer-term possible dependent on funding.

Job Description

  • Assist in outreach to develop partnerships with organizations across the country
  • Manage public program logistics for anniversary programs both on and off-site including contracts and travel arrangements
  • Serve on team developing web presence for 40th anniversary programs
  • Oversee logistics and coordination for program of grants to public libraries across the country including application process, awards, and ongoing support for grantees
  • Manage program budgets
  • Provide logistical support and coordination for the development of a new on-site exhibition
  • Assist in outreach and marketing for a new traveling exhibit

The ideal candidate for the position will have the following qualifications:

  • 3+ years related experience in program coordination
  • BA required
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to prioritize among multiple responsibilities
  • Professional, good sense of humor, friendly telephone manner
  • Flexibility and ability to work as a team member
  • Solid computer skills
  • Knowledge of Yiddish and Jewish culture a plus
  • Some weekend, evening and travel required.

Interested candidates should email resume and cover letter to: [email protected] No phone calls.

 

Communications Content Editor and Projects Coordinator

The Yiddish Book Center is seeking a Communications Content Editor and Projects Coordinator to provide skilled support to communications efforts in the areas of content curation and creation, social media, marketing, and publication and project coordination. This position will report to the Director of Communications. The Yiddish Book Center offers meaningful and challenging positions, a warm, friendly atmosphere, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits.

Job Description

  • Serve as project coordinator for the Center’s many publications and other communications projects
  • Research, draft, and publish content for the Center’s various editorial and marketing communications vehicles – print, web, and e-communications
  • Generate, curate, edit, publish, and share content across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
  • Create and oversee editorial calendars for digital/print content
  • Work with Director of Communications and other staff to create and execute social media and digital strategy        
  • Monitor and report social and website analytics/metric
  • Research and secure permissions for archival media, photography, and artwork

The ideal candidate for the position will have the following qualifications:

  • 3+ years related experience
  • BA required
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Experience with social media and SEO across various platforms
  • Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to prioritize among multiple responsibilities
  • Copy-editing and proofreading skills
  • Professional, good sense of humor, friendly telephone manner
  • Flexibility and ability to work as a team member
  • Solid computer skills, knowledge of social media, experience publishing web content, and database management
  • Knowledge of Yiddish and Jewish culture a plus

Interested candidates should email resume and cover letter to Lisa Newman, director of communications, at [email protected] No phone calls. 

Membership and Online Fundraising Systems Manager

The Yiddish Book Center is a non-profit cultural organization with a national and international membership base. We are seeking a Membership and Online Fundraising Manager to take a leadership role in our online fundraising and outreach efforts; and in coordinating constituent management, donations processing, and member correspondence. The Membership and Online Fundraising Manager will also support website and technical operations for new and ongoing projects across the organization. 

Responsibilities:

  • Coordinates online fundraising efforts to coincide with direct mail appeals, and additional online-only outreach projects throughout the year. Creates and maintains membership-related web content, including donation forms;
  • Ensures that membership records and communications are handled appropriately following Yiddish Book Center policies and procedures. Specifically: Gift processing, constituent data entry and updates, data-sync of Raiser’s Edge and Luminate records, written and phone communication with members in response to inquiries; 
  • Participates in strategic planning process for the website and other online tools, and helps to implement solutions based on these goals. Acts as a resource to resolve technical problems day-to-day for staff and outside users;
  • Provides training and support for staff users of the bulk email tools, user databases, web forms and other web content;
  • Organizes training and supervision of work study, part time and seasonal employees to assist as needed with membership tasks;
  • Communicates with vendors to maintain tech tools as needed based on organizational strategies and priorities;
  • Trains staff and volunteers in proper use of audio-visual equipment and works with vendors to keep all equipment in working order and up to date to meet program requirements;
  • Answers multi-line phone system, forwarding calls and taking messages as required;
  • Other projects and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising software
  • Understanding of non-profit fundraising processes, including industry best practices for online fundraising
  • Experience with audience segmentation for online communication and reporting
  • Excellent organizational skills, and ability to prioritize among multiple responsibilities and projects
  • Flexibility and ability to work in a mid-level leadership role 
  • Technological problem-solving, both immediate and long-range 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

To apply: Send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Teaching Assistant: Steiner Summer Yiddish Program

The Steiner Summer Yiddish Program seeks a 2/3 time Teaching Assistant to facilitates a comfortable, fun, and intellectually stimulating Yiddish-speaking environment for 18 college students and assist with teaching duties in an intensive summer program in Yiddish language and culture. The Steiner Summer Yiddish Program runs June 2-July 19, 2019

Duties include:

  • Mark all homework, tutor students one-on-one or in small groups as needed, and substitute teach as needed. If desired, regular guest teaching can be arranged in advance with the instructor. 
  • Live in the Yiddish-only dorm and help facilitate Yiddish conversation in the residential setting.
  • Attend study hall to help students with assignments as needed and to answer any questions. 
  • Attend kave-sho weekly to facilitate conversation among students and initiate short activities to spur on conversation as needed.
  • Prepare and lead games and activities to help stimulate Yiddish-speaking during the program’s weekly Yiddish lunches. 
  • Plan and lead one workshop for the students on a topic of their choice (such as song, dance, theater, etc). The workshop will be an interactive Yiddish-oriented in any combination of vocabulary, theme, and/or culture; 1-hour in length; at an appropriate level for both beginner and intermediate students.
  • Attend Yiddish pot-luck dinners. 
  • Coordinate and participate in the New York City field trip on July 4 weekend, and shorter field trips to be determined.

Qualifications: 

  • Advanced Yiddish language skills
  • Good organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Maturity, flexibility, sense of humor
  • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
  • Minimum 21 years of age

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with Yiddish Book Center and Five-College area
  • Knowledge of modern Jewish culture and Jewish community 
  • Experience in college residential support

Compensation: $2300 stipend plus housing in Hampshire College apartment-style dorm
 
Application Instructions: Send to: Gretchen Fiordalice, director of education administration, at [email protected].
 
To apply:
1. Send resume or CV, including Yiddish language background, that describes your relevant interests and experiences and a cover letter that addresses why you want to work in the Steiner Summer Yiddish Program
2. Have two professional references (current or former supervisors) send their letters of recommendation directly to Gretchen at [email protected]
 
If you have questions, email Gretchen at [email protected] or call 413-256-4900 ext.#103.
 

Resident Assistant: Great Jewish Books Summer Program 2019

The Yiddish Book Center is seeking Residential Assistants (RAs) for the 2019 Great Jewish Books Summer Program, a five-day exploration of literature and culture for rising high school juniors and seniors.

Now in its eighth year, Great Jewish Books uses compelling works of modern Jewish literature to help students develop a rich understanding of Jewish culture and history, and to spark discussions about contemporary issues of identity, family, cultural practice, and community. The program is lively, full of social opportunities, and intellectually exhilarating. Participants and RAs stay in a Hampshire College dorm and eat in the campus dining hall. Dates for the two consecutive Great Jewish Books sessions are July 21–26 and July 28–August 2. Visit yiddishbookcenter.org/great-jewish-books for more information.

RAs will be in residence and working from Wednesday, July 17–Friday, August 2. The days leading up to the program will be for staff orientation, planning, and preparation. All RAs will read the required texts for the program before arriving in Amherst. RAs will also do some preliminary planning with Yiddish Book Center staff (remotely) before arriving.

The RA’s role is to facilitate a comfortable, fun, and intellectually stimulating environment for participants; to respond to their questions and concerns; to make sure they are present and on time for scheduled activities; and to enforce all program rules and policies. RAs build their own skills as discussion leaders, group facilitators, and teen mentors.

RAs will:

  • Live in dorm with students; be the first line of response for students’ questions and concerns
  • Lead small-group discussions on assigned readings
  • Facilitate informal reflection and discussion among students
  • Participate in and lead extracurricular activities for students
  • Chaperone students on local field trips
  • Eat meals with students
  • Attend students’ classes
  • Communicate with Yiddish Book Center staff if any concerns about students arise
  • Enforce program rules, quiet hours, and nighttime curfew
  • Abide by the same rules as students, including quiet hours, curfew, and no drinking/smoking policies
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager

RA qualifications:

  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • College graduate or currently enrolled college student
  • Extensive experience and comfort working with teens
  • Knowledge of and passion for modern Jewish culture and literature
  • Outgoing and energetic personality
  • Comfort supporting students from various backgrounds, and with various learning styles and abilities
  • Team player, able to communicate well with supervisor and willing to pitch in however needed
  • Must have a cell phone and be reachable throughout the week of the program
  • Ability to lead participants in extracurricular activities (sports, arts, games, music, etc.)
  • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (preferred)
  • Comfort driving a 12-to-15-passenger van (training is provided) (preferred)
  • Certification in first-aid and CPR (preferred)

RA compensation: $3,000 plus room and board

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

All application materials should be sent to: Sylvia Peterson, education program manager, at [email protected]. To apply, send:

1. Resume or CV;
2. Cover letter addressing why you want to work in the Great Jewish Books Summer Program and describing your relevant interests and experiences;
3. Two references that we may call (one academic instructor and one professional supervisor, preferably someone who has supervised your work with teenagers).

If you have questions, please email Sylvia at [email protected]. Note: CORI and SORI checks (criminal and sexual offender background checks) will be required as a condition of employment.
 

Volunteer Field Trip Docent

The Yiddish Book Center is seeking volunteer docents to provide support to our Field Trip Program staff. Volunteers will assist in leading student groups on visits of the Center and will facilitate interactive activities and tours.

Requirements:

  • Excellent oral communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Able to work independently
  • Sense of humor and flexibility
  • Ability to engage with students and subject matter
  • Comfortable working with middle and high school students 
  • Energetic and enthusiastic
  • Jewish studies background (familiarity with modern Jewish history and Yiddish language and culture)
  • Ability to work weekdays

Availability: Field trip visits are typically scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Occasional availability on Sundays is also desired but not required. Field trips typically run for two to four hours and are scheduled upon request during the school year. 

Training will be provided. 

Interested candidates should email resume and cover letter to Gretchen Fiordalice at [email protected] 

About the Yiddish Book Center’s Field Trip Program:

On a field trip to the Yiddish Book Center—the world’s first Yiddish museum—students explore universal themes such as immigration and cultural preservation through one group’s unique story.

Dynamic, interactive activities engage students in the rich history of Yiddish culture and the ways that culture has been preserved and remains relevant to people’s lives.

 

Volunteer Docent

The Yiddish Book Center is seeking volunteer docents to greet and orient visitors, answer questions about events and membership, provide support to our staff, and process donations. Volunteers should be comfortable working with groups, speaking with visitors, using a cash register, and should have an interest in Yiddish culture. Training provided. Docents typically work one three-hour day per week. No prior knowledge of Yiddish is necessary. If interested, please email Sarah Bleichfeld at [email protected] or call 413-256-4900, ext. 124.

The Yiddish Book Center is an equal opportunity employer.