The University of Kansas Is Hiring A Hebrew Language Specialist

Exciting Opportunity: Hebrew Language Specialist & Jewish Studies Lecturer at KU

Join KU's vibrant academic community as a Hebrew Language Specialist and Lecturer, contributing to innovative language education and Jewish Studies programs. This position combines teaching, curriculum development, student advising, and program organization in a dynamic, inclusive environment.

Position Overview

The role encompasses lectureship duties within the Jewish Studies Program alongside responsibilities for planning, organizing, and delivering Hebrew Language courses. These courses serve both majors/minors in Jewish Studies and a broader student body interested in Hebrew language and Jewish culture. The Hebrew Language Specialist collaborates with the Program Director to develop curriculum, facilitate capstone projects, advise students, recruit newcomers, and organize university and public events related to Hebrew. This is a full academic-year appointment with an initial three-year term (August 18, 2025 – May 17, 2028), with potential for renewal.

At KU, we celebrate a rich diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, fostering a culture of respectful dialogue, continuous learning, and mutual support. We believe a true sense of belonging empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the start date.

Job Description

🧑‍🏫 75% - Lecturer Responsibilities

• Teach six (6) courses annually, equivalent to nine to eleven credits each semester, in Hebrew language and related Jewish culture courses (100–400 level), engaging at least 250 student credit hours per year.
• Collaborate with faculty to provide individual or small group capstone courses for student degree completion.
• Develop engaging class materials, deliver instruction, grade assignments promptly, and communicate progress clearly to students, providing guidance for improvement.
• Maintain proficiency in instructional technologies for course delivery and assessment, innovating teaching methods as needed.
• Attend all scheduled classes; in case of absence, arrange for online instruction or substitutes; classes should not be canceled.
• Hold at least three weekly office hours across multiple days, offering students reasonable appointment times beyond scheduled hours.
• Keep transparent records of student evaluations and progress, supporting departmental assessments.
• Adhere to all departmental, college, and university policies.

🎓 25% - Academic Program Associate Responsibilities

• Lead in planning, organizing, and delivering KU’s Hebrew language curriculum in partnership with the Program Director, including developing and implementing course schedules.
• Supervise and oversee placement and assessment of students in Hebrew courses, including credit transfer evaluations.
• Design and oversee mechanisms to assess student progress and overall program effectiveness.
• Coordinate extracurricular Hebrew practice opportunities, such as roundtables, field trips, and cultural events.
• Promote Hebrew learning through outreach activities like language fairs, flyers, and tabling events.
• Develop outreach initiatives with local and regional schools/organizations to recruit prospective students.
• Participate in departmental meetings and committees, contributing to faculty and program development.

🌟 Required Qualifications

• M.A. in Jewish Studies, Hebrew language, or a related field, or Bachelor’s Degree combined with ten or more years of proficiency in Hebrew.
• Near-native or native proficiency in modern Hebrew and knowledge of Israeli culture.
• Demonstrated ability to teach Hebrew courses through prior teaching experience or competence (evaluations, supervisor ratings, etc.).

🌍 Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with educational technology applications in both English and Hebrew.

📝 Additional Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• A letter of application
• A CV detailing teaching areas and subjects
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications begins on May 20, 2025. The anticipated start date is August 18, 2025.

💼 Contact Information

Jewish Studies Program
Phone: 785-864-4664
Email: jewishstudies@ku.edu

💰 Salary & Application Details

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Formal review begins on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with an anticipated start date of Monday, August 18, 2025.