Director of Education

Wise Temple is pleased to partner with DRG to conduct this search.

Founded in 1841, Wise Temple is Cincinnati's largest synagogue and a leading institution in American Reform Judaism. Shaped by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, founder of the American Reform Movement, the congregation has influenced Jewish life for more than 180 years and remains a vibrant center of worship, learning, and community engagement.

Wise Temple serves a diverse, multigenerational community across two campuses: the historic Plum Street Temple in downtown Cincinnati, a National Historic Landmark closely tied to the growth of American Reform Judaism, and the Isaac M. Wise Center in Amberley Village, the congregation’s hub for worship, education, programming, and administration. Together, they reflect Wise Temple’s historic legacy and commitment to a dynamic Jewish future.

At its core, Wise Temple's mission is to bring the traditions of Judaism into everyday life by strengthening relationships, creating belonging, and celebrating a Judaism that grows through learning, reflection, and action. The congregation offers meaningful worship experiences, a well-established religious school (Kehillah), lifelong learning opportunities for all ages, and robust programming that reflects the diverse interests of the community, including social justice, civic engagement, adult learning, and thoughtful dialogue on contemporary issues.

Rooted in enduring Jewish values and inspired by a spirit of lifelong learning, reflection, and joy, Wise Temple is a welcoming and inclusive community that embraces individuals, families, and interfaith households from diverse backgrounds. Grounded in a rich congregational legacy and a tradition of strong leadership, Wise Temple is led today by a vibrant and collaborative team that is advancing the congregation's vision through innovation, growth, and meaningful community engagement.

Wise Temple seeks a visionary, strategic, and relationship-driven educational leader to guide the next chapter of Kehillah, its religious school serving students from age three through eighth grade. This is not a maintenance role, but an opportunity to reimagine and strengthen a core congregational program with significant potential for growth and impact. Whether coming from congregational education, secular education, youth engagement, camp leadership, or another mission-driven educational setting, the successful candidate will partner with clergy, staff, educators, and families to evaluate current practices, implement innovative approaches to teaching and engagement, and create a compelling educational experience that meets the evolving needs of today's families.

The Director will play a critical role in shaping a bold vision for Jewish learning that deepens Jewish identity, builds a strong knowledge base about Jewish life and Jewish people, fosters belonging, and inspires lifelong connection to Jewish life and community. High school students have opportunities for involvement in Kehillah and participate in Shelanu, a separate community teen program. Although Shelanu is led separately, the Director will partner closely with its leadership and work directly with madrichim in support of Kehillah's educational mission.

• Provide visionary leadership for Jewish education by assessing the strengths of the current curriculum and educational model, identifying opportunities for growth, and developing a clear strategy to enhance student learning and engagement. Design, implement, and continuously evaluate curricular, instructional, and Hebrew learning initiatives to ensure meaningful educational outcomes and a dynamic, relevant Jewish learning…