Genesis is a three-week residential program at Brandeis University for approximately 40 outstanding Jewish high school students from across the world. Students choose from one of three academic courses, taught by Brandeis-affiliated instructors. Courses meet for two hours each morning, Monday-Friday with time for Nesiyot (Explorations) in the afternoons, Kavanot (spiritual practice) and informal programming in the evenings and on Shabbat. Course work leads up to a capstone project. The Genesis Teaching Assistant job is an immersive position defined by student and programmatic support; TAs are responsible for supporting students during all aspects of Genesis courses and programming, and form a network that keeps Genesis running smoothly and successfully.
The hiring salary for this position is $1,815.00, plus room and board (dorm-style living).
Job Requirements:
Residential and/or camp counselor experience.
Experience with the Jewish community and strong familiarity with a range of Jewish practice and observance.
Able to engage with young people while recognizing boundaries;
Ability to be flexible, proactive and community-oriented.
Able to take direction well and complete tasks in a timely and organized manner.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, take direction well and manage time effectively.
Applicants should have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by June 2026.
Applicants must have a valid Driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Key Responsibilities:
Living in the residence halls and working with the Genesis team to ensure participant physical and emotional well-being.
Creating strong relationships with participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Ensuring that participants are well-supervised and present at all Genesis programs and events, including sitting shmira (on-duty) in the evenings until after lights out.
Supporting the Genesis course instructors, leading small group discussions and assisting students with their coursework.
Driving (we will provide training to drive BranVans) and chaperoning students on field trips and other off-campus programs.
Helping to build Jewish communal life and supporting educational programming.
Creating and delivering some educational/social evening programming.
Other duties as assigned by the Genesis Director.
Creating and implementing recreational activities (sports, arts & crafts, music,etc) during Chugim (electives).
Program Dates
Sunday, June 28 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
Training Dates
Wednesday, June 24 - Saturday, June 27: Staff Orientation in residence at Brandeis.
Compensation
$1,815.00 plus room and board (dorm-style living). Kosher food and Shabbat keys available; program is Shomer Shabbat in public spaces and eruv is up in the summer.
The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.
Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").