Director or Assistant Director of Youth and Family Engagement

Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, IL

Director or Assistant Director of Youth and Family Engagement

Reports to:

Senior Director of Learning and Engagement

FLSA Classification:
Exempt

Congregation Beth Shalom is a thriving, multigenerational Conservative synagogue of nearly 1,000 households located in Northbrook, Illinois. We are a warm, welcoming community dedicated to enriching lives through meaningful worship, lifelong learning, acts of kindness, and deep personal connections.

At Beth Shalom, we strive to create a place where members can celebrate community, cultivate meaningful relationships, and experience an uplifting and joyful Judaism. Through vibrant religious services, innovative educational programming, engaging youth and family experiences, robust adult learning opportunities, and compassionate pastoral care, we seek to support our members through every stage of life.

Our clergy, professional staff, and lay leadership work collaboratively to foster an inclusive environment where individuals and families feel connected, supported, and inspired.

The Director of Youth and Family Engagement is responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing engaging, meaningful, and relationship-centered programs for families with children from birth through 12th grade. This role fosters connections among children, teens, parents, and the congregation, helping families build lasting Jewish relationships and experiences throughout every stage of their journey.

Working in partnership with and under the guidance of the Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, the Director provides vision, leadership, and oversight for all youth and family engagement initiatives, including youth groups, family programming, Shabbat experiences, High Holiday programming, retreats, and community building opportunities. The Director is responsible for the overall strategy, supervision, and evaluation of youth and family engagement efforts, while partnering with Engagement Associates and other staff who serve as primary implementers of many programs.

The Director works collaboratively with clergy, executive director, educators, lay leaders, staff, and volunteers to create innovative and impactful Jewish experiences that strengthen connections to Jewish life, learning, and community.

The Director of Youth and Family Engagement plays a central role in creating a vibrant, welcoming, and meaningful Jewish community where children, teens, and families can connect, grow, and thrive.

• Provide strategic direction, planning, and evaluation for all youth group programming, including:
  • Nitzanim (Kindergarten – 2nd Grade)
  • Chaverim (3rd – 5th Grade)
  • Gesher (6th – 8th Grade)
  • USY (8th – 12th Grade)
• Supervise and support part‑time Engagement Associates, staff, and volunteers responsible for implementing youth group programming and building relationships with participants and families.
• Develop age‑appropriate programming that promotes Jewish identity, leadership, friendship, and community engagement.
• Foster strong relationships with youth and families and serve as a visible and approachable presence within the congregation.

• Create and oversee innovative family engagement opportunities for families with children from birth through high school.
• Develop programs that encourage families to build Jewish community and incorporate Jewish values, traditions, and celebrations into their lives.
• Partner with clergy and staff to engage both affiliated and prospective families.

• Oversee all youth and family Shabbat programming, including ongoing Shabbat experiences for children and families.
• Coordinate and supervise youth and family programming during the High Holidays, ensuring meaningful, age‑appropriate experiences for all participants.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate teachers and staff who facilitate Shabbat and High Holiday youth programming.
• Collaborate with clergy and staff to integrate youth and family engagement into the broader worship and holiday experience.

• Lead the planning and…