Cohn Visiting Chair in Jewish Thought, Assistant Director of the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies

Job Description Summary
The Cohn Visiting Chair in Jewish Thought/Assistant Director of the CCJS position brings a Jewish scholar specializing in Jewish thought to Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS). It is made possible by the generosity of Maureen and Douglas Cohn, and it establishes the regular presence of a Jewish scholarly voice on interreligious issues in the Tampa Bay community and beyond, something which is needed in the region.
The Cohn Visiting Chair/Assistant Director of the CCJS position is a two-year visiting appointment as full-time faculty in the School of Theology; and as Assistant Director of the CCJS. The Cohn Visiting Chair is devoted to scholarly research and teaching focused on Jewish thought as it relates to Christianity, and contemporary challenges. The CCJS welcomes diverse approaches to Catholic-Jewish Studies including historical, dialogical, comparative, and theological. It also collaborates with the CCJS director and local religious leaders to organize, coordinate, and lead interfaith education programs on campus and in the local community. In particular,
The Cohn Visiting Chair/Assistant Director of the CCJS enables the CCJS to feature a Jewish scholarly voice at the center of its vision, mission, and educational programs. The Cohn Visiting Chair allows students, faculty, and members of the community to significantly deepen their understanding of Judaism by having direct and regular access to a specialist in Jewish thought. The Cohn Visiting Chair engages members of the Tampa Bay Jewish Community, including lay leaders, synagogue rabbis, and non-affiliated Jews by creating interactive dialogue and community-focused Jewish events and programs. The position puts scholarship on Jewish thought and culture in dialogue with other religions and contemporary challenges on the Saint Leo campus, in the local community, and at the international scholarly level.
The position directly reports to the Director of the CCJS and to the VPAA.
Job Description
Duties and Tasks:
The Cohn Visiting Chair/Assistant Director of the CCJS takes on specific responsibilities during each academic year of residence: 1) Organize and lead an interfaith education program for the local community; 2) teach a series of spring educational workshops for the local community; 3) teach one undergraduate course per semester at Saint Leo University.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge:
PhD in the field of Theology and/or Religious Studies by the time of appointment (ABD may be considered).
A commitment to Catholic-Jewish studies and interreligious dialogue.
Broad knowledge of the history of Jewish religious, philosophical, and ethical thought.
Experience in interacting with Jewish Community members and institutions, and a demonstrated ability to connect with Jews and Christians of all backgrounds, denominations, and affiliations.
A compelling research agenda that promises significant work in the field.
Competence or experience relevant to coordinating academic programs, including implementing event programming logistics from start to finish, and coordinating with CCJS staff.
Competence in teaching a range of courses in Judaism. A special interest in the study of Judaism’s relationship to Christianity is preferred.
ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various type of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.
NOTICE:
The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success.
Why Work at Saint Leo?
What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world. Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!
We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).
FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
Employer-provided life insurance
Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
403b Retirement Plan
Wellness Center
*Eligibility based on meeting required service period
2025 ICUBA Benefits Guide_St Leo