Community Education & Resources   /  
FAQ: New York Hub Leadership Fellowship 2022-2023

Where do I apply?

  • You can access the application at bit.ly/JoCIFellowship2 (or click the “Apply” button at the bottom of this page)

What is this Fellowship? 

  • The Jews of Color Initiative Leadership Fellowship is a 30-hours a week work opportunity in New York City for young adult Jews of Color to explore the Jewish communal field. 

What are the dates of the program?  

  • The JoCI Leadership Fellowship starts on Monday, November 7, 2022, and concludes in August 2023. 

When are applications due?

  • September 12, 2022 by 6pm ET

Who should apply? 

  • Young adult Jews of Color who are in the beginning stages of their career or pre-career, such as those finished with their schooling and within 1-4 years of exploring entry-level job opportunities, which might include internships or part-time work. The minimum age is 21 and the suggested cap age is 31. 
  • This program is for emerging young adults who identify as or are exploring what it means to be Jews of Color and what leadership in the Jewish communal field has to offer. Given the program’s focus, ideal candidates are interested in exploring their respective identities and the interaction between them, have skills to offer the Jewish nonprofit field that they haven’t fully explored, and are ready to contribute to a community of peers and mentors. 

How can I learn more about the Leadership Fellowship before applying?

  • Sign up for our virtual Open House to learn more about the Leadership Fellowship. The Open House will also provide additional information about the Incubator, our other flagship program of the New York Hub.

Who is a Jew of Color?  

  • We think of Jews of Color as Jewish people who are members of non-white racialized groups in the United States. This includes but is not limited to: Asian or Asian American, Black or African American, non-white Hispanic or Latina/o/x, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern or North African, and Native American, First Nation, or Indigenous American. We understand that meaning assigned to racial presentation and identity evolves and changes. Identifying as a Jew of Color or Jewish Person of Color is entirely up to you. 

I’m concerned I’m not “enough” – Jewish enough, POC enough, experienced enough. Should I still apply? 

  • Yes! We are looking for seekers and learners. No matter what your current connection looks like to any of your identities, your former or current level of involvement in the Jewish community, or your previous formal work or leadership experience, this program is open to those who want to grow and explore new possibilities. 

What do you mean by the “Jewish communal field”? 

  • When we say the Jewish communal field, or sometimes the Jewish communal ecosystem or landscape, we are referring to Jewish nonprofits, institutions, congregations, synagogues, and communities that actively contribute to providing services, resources, or programs to the Jewish community. Oftentimes, these programs are intended to build Jewish community by facilitating connections and community relationships among Jews.   

Do I need to have work experience?  

  • We expect Fellows to have a basic understanding of professional workplaces, such as coming to work on time, participating in meetings, and representing the organization with integrity. 

Is this a paid fellowship?  

  • Yes! Fellows will receive $36,000 compensation paid throughout the duration of the 10-month program. We expect this Fellowship to be your primary work responsibility as the compensation is comparable to other full-time, entry-level positions in the Jewish nonprofit sector. 

How many hours a week is this Fellowship? 

  • 30 hours a week, which will include about 5 hours of weekly professional development session as a cohort. There will be occasional weeks with evening events and extra hours. 

What is the application process?  

  • Here is the application link. At JoCI, we believe in asking for help and supporting one another. If you have questions about the program or application process, please feel free to reach out to Riki Robinson, the JoCI Program Director of New York, at Riki@JewsofColorInitiative.org. 
  • Applications will close on September 12, 2022 at 6pm ET. 
  • Applications will be reviewed and considered on a rolling basis. Applicants selected to be moved forward will be invited to a first round 60-minute zoom interview.  

Do I have to live in New York City to participate in this program?  

  • We recommend living in New York City through the duration of the Fellowship. If you do not live in New York City, you should reside in a place where you can commute to New York City with relative ease at least once a week. At this time, we expect Fellows to do a mix of virtual/remote and in-person work every week. Fellows will be placed with a partner organization in locations across New York City. The JoCI has office space in Midtown Manhattan near Penn Station, where Fellows will be meeting over the arc of their Fellowship year. 

How is COVID-19 affecting the Fellowship program? 

  • The Jews of Color Initiative will continue to follow guidelines and protocols outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We will make adjustments to the Fellowship program as needed to ensure that all Fellows can be safe and healthy. 

I’d like to read content written by cohort 1 of the JoCI Leadership Fellowship. Where can I find it?

  • Our current Leadership Fellows contributed powerful pieces about the Fellowship and JoC identity to a special issue of our monthly newsletter

I’m looking for more information about the Incubator. Where can I find it?  

Date Posted

July 2022

Author

Jews of Color Initiative