Executive Director, Center for Jewish Studies (7377U) 85382
Inside Higher Ed, Berkeley, CA, United States
About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Departmental Overview
The Center for Jewish Studies is a diverse and interdisciplinary new initiative center administered through the Arts & Humanities Division in the College of Letters & Science. It is led by an appointed faculty director and has approximately 21 senate faculty and 15 affiliated faculty from departments across campus. There are 19 graduate students pursuing a Designated Emphasis in Jewish Studies and 18 undergraduate students pursuing the Jewish Studies Minor. In addition to classes, the Center hosts postdoctoral visiting scholars and visiting faculty who augment both course offerings and public lectures; sponsors an annual series of endowed lectures and collaborates with several affiliated campus units in cosponsoring a broad range of programming. The center is home to the Anti‑Semitism Education Initiative which promotes anti‑Semitism awareness and education at Berkeley, at colleges and universities across California, and nationwide. Application Review Date
The first review date for this job is April 17, 2026. Responsibilities
General Center Management
Oversees general management of the Center for Jewish Studies, supports the faculty director, faculty affiliates, and/or administrators. Provides recommendations to guide and support a broader strategic direction for the organization. Performs ad‑hoc, analytical studies on a wide variety of policies, programs, and issues which are complex in nature. Conducts post‑implementation analysis to determine the need for further enhancements, finer distinctions, and/or additional process/poly‑policy components. Strategic Planning & Program Development
Researches and drafts proposals, reports, briefings, and executive summaries. Manages implementation of the Center’s strategic direction, develops internal programs and processes, analyzes and works creatively within existing campus structures, and generates new relationships with departments and administrative units. Conducts research on programs at UC Berkeley, other UC campuses, and universities both in and outside of the US regarding the teaching and administration of Jewish studies. The creative endeavors described above help define the program and activities of the Center. Stakeholder Engagement
Audience members include the Center directors, the Center’s faculty membership, undergraduate and graduate students, senior campus administrators, and external partners of the Center. Committee Coordination
Initiates communications and workflows with CJS faculty to fulfill programmatic elements of the Center, including administering and implementing committee decisions related to the Executive Committee. Supports the Graduate and Undergraduate Committees, Fellowship and Prizes Committee, and the Yiddish Studies Program. Facilitates communications with faculty and all constituents, including campus partners such as the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, the Helen Diller Institute of the Law School, Hillel, UDAR Staff, donors, community organizations, and colleagues within the Arts & Humanities division. Community Relations
Develops and maintains excellent working relationships with Center donors and Bay Area Jewish community organizations. Event Management
Organizes Center activities such as faculty meetings, annual receptions and faculty retreats, faculty and student colloquia, and student graduation events. Works with the Program Committee Chair, faculty, and staff to schedule, host and oversee public programs including guest speakers, book talks, lectures, and cultural programs for students, faculty, and the community at large. Operational Support
Oversees and supports the Program Coordinator on all aspects of events to ensure timely and successful programs—scheduling, travel and accommodations, room reservations, marketing, website, recording/streaming, BAV, honoraria, and reimbursements. Staff Management
Manages, directs and supports Center staff by handling administrative procedures, approving staff timesheets, completing performance reviews, facilitating biweekly staff meetings, managing office equipment and IT services, maintaining server files, ordering keys and credit cards, and ensuring compliance with UC policies. Processes SPOT awards, reviews learning requirements, and participates in staff safety training. Courses and Degrees
Corresponds with faculty and department staff each semester to identify appropriate courses for room‑sharing or cross‑listing with Jewish Studies. Oversees scheduling to ensure courses, room‑shares, and website updates are aligned. Updates the Curriculum and Course Management system. Monitors course evaluations. Communicates with students pursuing the Jewish Studies Minor and the Graduate Designated Emphasis Degrees to foster a sense of intellectual community within the Center. Serves as Graduate Student Advising Officer and Student Advisor for students enrolled in Jewish Studies courses. Tracks student progress toward degrees and enters data into Cal Central. Meets with individual students to explain degree programs and respond to questions and issues. Prepares and processes student fellowship applications, prizes, and awards. Human Resources
Partners with Berkeley Regional Services HR, the Arts & Humanities and Letters & Science Dean’s Office, the VSPA office, and the Graduate Division to create and process appointments and reappointments for staff, lecturers, visiting scholars, contractors, and GSI/GSR holders. Coordinates recruitment efforts to hire lecturers via the AP Recruit system. Supports faculty searches through collaboration with CJS faculty, Departmental Chairs, and AP Analysts. Facilitates MOU agreements for new faculty assigning portions of their FTE to the Center under the NIC bylaws. Finance
Manages the Center’s budget and finances, including grants and gifts, and supports graduate students, post‑doctoral scholars, lecturers, and visiting scholars. Coordinates support from campus units that contribute financially to Center programs. Works closely with the Faculty Director and the Arts & Humanities Dean to prepare the annual budget and performs strategic financial analysis. Submits monthly key controls to the Financial Analyst, monitors expenses, purchases, and transfers, approves credit‑card charges, reimbursements, honoraria, purchases, and contracts. Processes and tracks student fellowships in the Student Information System and processes contracts and invoices for the Anti‑Semitism Education Initiative. Prepares and reviews proposals for the Center and the AEI; submits grant and gift reports; reviews monthly CADS reports, sends acknowledgement letters to donors; drafts big‑give and end‑of‑year funding requests. Required Qualifications
Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess complex organizational, operational, and strategic issues; develop data‑informed recommendations; and independently drive solutions aligned with unit and campus priorities. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high‑priority initiatives simultaneously, exercising sound judgment in rapidly changing environments with competing deadlines and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution. Strong cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to engaging with Jewish culture and community, including a willingness to deepen knowledge and integrate cultural understanding into programmatic, operational, and stakeholder engagement efforts. Exceptional discretion, judgment, and professionalism in handling highly sensitive and confidential information, including personnel matters, executive communications, and organizational strategy, consistent with UC Berkeley policies and standards. Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training. Preferred Qualifications
Working knowledge of Academic Personnel policies, procedures, and systems, including experience navigating appointment, advancement, and compliance processes within a higher education environment (preferably UC Berkeley or comparable institutional knowledge). Proficiency with common workplace and campus systems, including HR, finance, and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace). Salary & Benefits
This is a full‑time, career position. The position may be eligible for up to a 60% hybrid work arrangement within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor and are subject to change. The position is eligible for full UC benefits. The university’s compensation range for this role is $82,800–$116,300. Other Information
This is not a visa‑sponsoring position. The position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H‑1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee. How To Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. Conviction History Background
This designated position requires fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information in the context of the job responsibilities. The university reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. Misconduct Disclosure
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer must disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, or are currently under investigation for misconduct. This includes violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, discrimination, dishonesty, or other unethical conduct. For policy reference: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy; UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy; Abusive Conduct in the Workplace. Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Departmental Overview
The Center for Jewish Studies is a diverse and interdisciplinary new initiative center administered through the Arts & Humanities Division in the College of Letters & Science. It is led by an appointed faculty director and has approximately 21 senate faculty and 15 affiliated faculty from departments across campus. There are 19 graduate students pursuing a Designated Emphasis in Jewish Studies and 18 undergraduate students pursuing the Jewish Studies Minor. In addition to classes, the Center hosts postdoctoral visiting scholars and visiting faculty who augment both course offerings and public lectures; sponsors an annual series of endowed lectures and collaborates with several affiliated campus units in cosponsoring a broad range of programming. The center is home to the Anti‑Semitism Education Initiative which promotes anti‑Semitism awareness and education at Berkeley, at colleges and universities across California, and nationwide. Application Review Date
The first review date for this job is April 17, 2026. Responsibilities
General Center Management
Oversees general management of the Center for Jewish Studies, supports the faculty director, faculty affiliates, and/or administrators. Provides recommendations to guide and support a broader strategic direction for the organization. Performs ad‑hoc, analytical studies on a wide variety of policies, programs, and issues which are complex in nature. Conducts post‑implementation analysis to determine the need for further enhancements, finer distinctions, and/or additional process/poly‑policy components. Strategic Planning & Program Development
Researches and drafts proposals, reports, briefings, and executive summaries. Manages implementation of the Center’s strategic direction, develops internal programs and processes, analyzes and works creatively within existing campus structures, and generates new relationships with departments and administrative units. Conducts research on programs at UC Berkeley, other UC campuses, and universities both in and outside of the US regarding the teaching and administration of Jewish studies. The creative endeavors described above help define the program and activities of the Center. Stakeholder Engagement
Audience members include the Center directors, the Center’s faculty membership, undergraduate and graduate students, senior campus administrators, and external partners of the Center. Committee Coordination
Initiates communications and workflows with CJS faculty to fulfill programmatic elements of the Center, including administering and implementing committee decisions related to the Executive Committee. Supports the Graduate and Undergraduate Committees, Fellowship and Prizes Committee, and the Yiddish Studies Program. Facilitates communications with faculty and all constituents, including campus partners such as the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, the Helen Diller Institute of the Law School, Hillel, UDAR Staff, donors, community organizations, and colleagues within the Arts & Humanities division. Community Relations
Develops and maintains excellent working relationships with Center donors and Bay Area Jewish community organizations. Event Management
Organizes Center activities such as faculty meetings, annual receptions and faculty retreats, faculty and student colloquia, and student graduation events. Works with the Program Committee Chair, faculty, and staff to schedule, host and oversee public programs including guest speakers, book talks, lectures, and cultural programs for students, faculty, and the community at large. Operational Support
Oversees and supports the Program Coordinator on all aspects of events to ensure timely and successful programs—scheduling, travel and accommodations, room reservations, marketing, website, recording/streaming, BAV, honoraria, and reimbursements. Staff Management
Manages, directs and supports Center staff by handling administrative procedures, approving staff timesheets, completing performance reviews, facilitating biweekly staff meetings, managing office equipment and IT services, maintaining server files, ordering keys and credit cards, and ensuring compliance with UC policies. Processes SPOT awards, reviews learning requirements, and participates in staff safety training. Courses and Degrees
Corresponds with faculty and department staff each semester to identify appropriate courses for room‑sharing or cross‑listing with Jewish Studies. Oversees scheduling to ensure courses, room‑shares, and website updates are aligned. Updates the Curriculum and Course Management system. Monitors course evaluations. Communicates with students pursuing the Jewish Studies Minor and the Graduate Designated Emphasis Degrees to foster a sense of intellectual community within the Center. Serves as Graduate Student Advising Officer and Student Advisor for students enrolled in Jewish Studies courses. Tracks student progress toward degrees and enters data into Cal Central. Meets with individual students to explain degree programs and respond to questions and issues. Prepares and processes student fellowship applications, prizes, and awards. Human Resources
Partners with Berkeley Regional Services HR, the Arts & Humanities and Letters & Science Dean’s Office, the VSPA office, and the Graduate Division to create and process appointments and reappointments for staff, lecturers, visiting scholars, contractors, and GSI/GSR holders. Coordinates recruitment efforts to hire lecturers via the AP Recruit system. Supports faculty searches through collaboration with CJS faculty, Departmental Chairs, and AP Analysts. Facilitates MOU agreements for new faculty assigning portions of their FTE to the Center under the NIC bylaws. Finance
Manages the Center’s budget and finances, including grants and gifts, and supports graduate students, post‑doctoral scholars, lecturers, and visiting scholars. Coordinates support from campus units that contribute financially to Center programs. Works closely with the Faculty Director and the Arts & Humanities Dean to prepare the annual budget and performs strategic financial analysis. Submits monthly key controls to the Financial Analyst, monitors expenses, purchases, and transfers, approves credit‑card charges, reimbursements, honoraria, purchases, and contracts. Processes and tracks student fellowships in the Student Information System and processes contracts and invoices for the Anti‑Semitism Education Initiative. Prepares and reviews proposals for the Center and the AEI; submits grant and gift reports; reviews monthly CADS reports, sends acknowledgement letters to donors; drafts big‑give and end‑of‑year funding requests. Required Qualifications
Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess complex organizational, operational, and strategic issues; develop data‑informed recommendations; and independently drive solutions aligned with unit and campus priorities. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high‑priority initiatives simultaneously, exercising sound judgment in rapidly changing environments with competing deadlines and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution. Strong cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to engaging with Jewish culture and community, including a willingness to deepen knowledge and integrate cultural understanding into programmatic, operational, and stakeholder engagement efforts. Exceptional discretion, judgment, and professionalism in handling highly sensitive and confidential information, including personnel matters, executive communications, and organizational strategy, consistent with UC Berkeley policies and standards. Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training. Preferred Qualifications
Working knowledge of Academic Personnel policies, procedures, and systems, including experience navigating appointment, advancement, and compliance processes within a higher education environment (preferably UC Berkeley or comparable institutional knowledge). Proficiency with common workplace and campus systems, including HR, finance, and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace). Salary & Benefits
This is a full‑time, career position. The position may be eligible for up to a 60% hybrid work arrangement within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor and are subject to change. The position is eligible for full UC benefits. The university’s compensation range for this role is $82,800–$116,300. Other Information
This is not a visa‑sponsoring position. The position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H‑1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee. How To Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. Conviction History Background
This designated position requires fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information in the context of the job responsibilities. The university reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. Misconduct Disclosure
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer must disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, or are currently under investigation for misconduct. This includes violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, discrimination, dishonesty, or other unethical conduct. For policy reference: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy; UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy; Abusive Conduct in the Workplace. Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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