Director of Youth Engagement sought for vibrant congregation
Location: Evanston, IL 60202
Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, a vibrant Reform congregation, seeks an innovative, dynamic Director of Youth Engagement to join our senior team of clergy, educators and administrators. We are seeking a youth professional who can encourage youth ownership and leadership in programs that emphasize critical thinking, intentional learning, and engagement with Jewish worship, action and thought.
Responsibilities include:
· Supervise and mentor youth advisor(s) for our three youth groups: Garinim (4th and 5th grades), Chasamba (6th, 7th and 8th grades) and BESSY (high school)
· Develop and facilitate social and informal education programs for 4th-5th grade students and their families
· Supervise our 7th and 8th grade education programs
· Coordinate our 9th-11th grade high school education programs
· Teach/Advise in our school program, preferably in middle and high school
· Support and advise B’nai Mitzvah students on their gemilut hasadim projects
· Create and implement experiential learning opportunities, including social justice and community service programs and weekend retreats as necessitated by community and youth needs
· Develop caring, mentoring relationships with Beth Emet youth that are both supportive and promote growth
Qualifications:
· Strong Jewish identity and good understanding of the principles of Reform Judaism
· Background in Jewish experiential and formal education
· Collaborative work ethic (the Director of Youth Engagement works closely with the senior synagogue staff, lay volunteers, and teaching staff)
· Passion for working with pre-teens, adolescents, and their families
· Strong organizational, technology and communication skills
· Ability to communicate sensitively and compassionately with youth and adults with various backgrounds, gender identities, and ethnicities.
· Good judgment regarding the physical and emotional safety of youth
· The ability to attend to details, be creative, and serve as a Jewish role model will mark the ideal candidate for this position.
This is a full-time, salaried position that includes health benefits and professional development. Send resume and references to Marci Dickman, Director of Lifelong Learning.