Dean of Seminary and Rabbinical School Director

Hebrew Union College, the academic, spiritual, and professional leadership development center of Reform Judaism invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the search for a distinguished, visionary, experienced, and collaborative clergy member to serve as Dean of Seminary and Rabbinical School Director (DoS).

As the flagship institution for the education and formation of Reform rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators and Jewish nonprofit professionals in North America and Israel, Hebrew Union College prepares leaders who serve congregations, communities, and organizations throughout the world. Founded in 1875, Hebrew Union College's remains the oldest Jewish seminary in the Americas and continues to play a defining role in shaping the future of Reform Judaism and Jewish communal leadership.

Under the past leadership of Rabbi Dr. Andrea Weiss, z”l, Hebrew Union College reimagined and strengthened the Seminary of Reform Judaism through an increasingly integrated educational model.

The Dean, a senior leadership position, will oversee all aspects of clergy-formation at Hebrew Union College, ensuring a next generation of dynamic Klei Kodesh imbued with a lived commitment to God, Torah, the Jewish People and Israel, and committed to the sustaining values of liberal Judaism.

Reporting to the Provost and working closely with the President and senior leadership team, the DoS will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for Hebrew Union College's seminary enterprise. The DoS will oversee the continued evolution of clergy education across multiple campuses, modalities, and programs while ensuring a cohesive vision for rabbinical and cantorial formation. More specifically, the DoS will be directly responsible for Hebrew Union College's North American residential rabbinical school, and will oversee and ensure close integration with (i) the Israel Rabbinical Program;

(ii) the Virtual Pathway to the Rabbinate; (iii) the Year-in Israel program; and (iv) the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music.

The DoS will serve as a visible ambassador for Hebrew Union College's and a trusted partner to students, faculty, alumni, congregations, and leaders throughout the Reform Movement. Building upon Hebrew Union College's 's unique combination of academic excellence, commitment to Israel, professional formation, and deep connection to the Reform Movement, the DoS will articulate a compelling vision for the future of Reform Jewish clergy and help strengthen Hebrew Union College's 's impact on Jewish communities throughout North America, Israel, and beyond.

While Hebrew Union College anticipates the successful candidate will be a rabbi due to the position's combined responsibilities of Seminary and Rabbinical program leadership,
any ordained clergy members who believe they have the skills and vision to succeed in the position are encouraged to apply
. The successful candidate will be an ordained clergy member with a deep commitment to Reform Judaism and liberal Jewish values, have a distinguished record of leadership, and hold a demonstrated passion for educating, mentoring, and developing future clergy. The ideal candidate will possess the scholarly, educational, and professional credentials necessary to establish credibility across academic, rabbinic, and communal settings, along with a track record of advancing educational excellence, fostering collaboration, and guiding complex organizations through change.

A terminal degree or doctorate in Jewish Studies or a related discipline is strongly preferred. Experience in higher education, Jewish educational leadership, congregational leadership, or other significant Jewish communal roles is also strongly preferred.
Preference to start on the New York campus on July 1, 2027
.

The search is being led by Randi Miller and Corin Edwards. Nominations and inquiries may be directed to

The anticipated salary range for this position is $200,000 to $220,000, negotiable based upon experience.

Hebrew Union College is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.