Director of Education

This is an exciting leadership opportunity. We are looking for someone who:

• Thinks deeply and listens with an open mind, developing strong relationships with people to build trust and gain insights about community needs
• Can engage children of all ages, believes children are capable of being active collaborators in their learning
• Enjoys trying new approaches, experimenting, and reflecting to constantly make improvements
• High expectations for self and their work while maintaining sustainable work practices
• Brings curiosity and openness to educational design, without being tied to long-standing models of Jewish education
• Thoughtful and organized planning and follow-through
• Willingness to ask for support and collaborate
• Alignment with vision for a bold, welcoming, traditional Judaism in the modern world

The Director of Education is a full-time senior educator reporting to the rabbi. This position requires presence on Shabbat and holidays, as well as evenings and weekends, as needed. The hours are flexible outside of prescribed programming times.

• Oversee all aspects of Religious School, including hiring and supervising teachers and Ozrim (teen assistants)
• Design and implement the Religious School curriculum and special programs
• Develop and oversee the Religious School budget and the youth programming budget in partnership with the Operations Director
• Maintain enrollment records, attendance systems, and family communication for the Religious School

• Collaborate with ECC (Early Childhood Center) staff, office staff, and lay leaders to coordinate family programming and engagement for the wider community, in coordination with the Religious School
• Manage weekly Shabbat youth offerings, supervise Shabbat teen leaders and volunteers
• Design and implement High Holiday youth programming and services

• Hire and supervise a new Youth Director to assist with family and teen programming
• Serve as the primary interface with the USY staff representative
• Maintain strong relationships with the Religious School Parent Committee and other relevant lay leaders
• Work closely with the facilities team to ensure that classrooms and shared spaces are safe, organized, and well-maintained

This is a leadership role for someone excited to help shape and bring to life a new vision for Jewish learning. The Director of Education will work closely with clergy, families, educators, and children to design and implement an approach that reflects values and responds to the lived experience of our community.

To set you up for success, you will be guided and mentored by your supervisor, Rabba Finegold, and supported by a committee of lay leaders who will be your partners in the work ahead.

This is also an extraordinary opportunity to work directly with experienced IJE leaders from the moment of hire through the entire upcoming school year (5787), to design the practices of the reimagined school, hone your own educational practice, and set up professional learning with educators.

• Significant Jewish knowledge, including experience with our Jewish textual tradition; proficiency in Hebrew and Tefillah
• Strong foundation in traditional Jewish practice. Appreciation and knowledge of a diversity of Jewish religious experiences.
• Demonstrated experience in Jewish educational settings, such as school, camp, or synagogue education; classroom experience is desirable
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, Canva, and other technology and digital learning tools
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• A self-starter who has the ability to work independently and on a team.