Hillel professionals take a break from NPI at a Washington Nationals baseball game.
More than 75 Hillel professionals gathered at Hillel’s Schusterman International center for the annual New Professionals Institute (NPI) in July.
For three days each participant was part of a professional network where they worked with veteran field professionals and SIC staff to discuss the ins and outs of their role on campus.
“NPI is an essential experience for all new Hillel professionals whether they are new to the organization itself or simply assuming a new position in the organization,” said Scott Brown, Hillel’s vice president for Human Resources. “In addition to developing a new network of colleagues reaching across the country, these new professionals walk away with an understanding of Hillel’s mission, values, strategic direction and core practices.”
Some program highlights were:
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Workshops and sessions focused on engagement training, facilitating meaningful Jewish experiences, development campaign planning and insights into the habits of millennials;
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A night out in Washington, D.C., where participants took a moonlight tour of the National Mall or attended a Washington Nationals baseball game;
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A day-long training for new Steinhardt Jewish Campus Service Corps Fellow Supervisors.
In addition, the Joseph Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Learning used NPI as an opportunity to roll out TalkSpace, a programmatic model for engaging students in meaningful Jewish conversations around issues that matter to them.
“This was a group of talented individuals working together to develop a lot of great ideas. The students at their individual campuses have much to look forward to,” said Jennifer Zwilling, Hillel’s director of Human Resources.
“There was a fantastic energy among NPI participants. People were energized by thinking about the Hillel’s bigger picture, why we do what we do – but most importantly how that affects their work with students every day,” said Jamie Schiffman, Hillel’s associate director of professional development. “It’s powerful to start with peers who are equally excited, nervous and hopeful for the upcoming school year and professional experience.”