Director of Lifelong Learning

DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG LEARNING

Introduction
Congregation Etz Chaim is a warm and welcoming Reform congregation located in Lombard, IL (western suburbs of Chicago). DuPage County currently has the fastest growing Jewish population in Illinois. Led by Senior Rabbi Andrea Cosnowsky and Associate Rabbi Jessica Wainer, we have over 440 member families representing all ages and stages of life. Congregation Etz Chaim is seeking an energetic, dynamic, knowledgeable Director of Lifelong Learning to begin in the summer of 2021. Our ARJE-accredited religious school currently serves 175 students, and our program includes Sunday and midweek as well as a robust adult education program and youth programming. Led by the Director of Lifelong Learning, our program incorporates wonderful volunteer teachers from our congregation who help foster a love for Jewish learning and connection to our community in a fun, supportive environment. Boasting one of the highest post B’nai Mitzvah student retention rates, we always strive to keep our youth education and engagement positive, inclusive, and welcoming to all who walk through our doors!

The Director of Lifelong Learning sets the vision and the standards for our religious school and Hebrew school programs. The Director will be a sacred partner with the rabbis, the Education Committee and the Lifelong Learning Committee. The Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the religious school, recruit and supervise teachers and madrichim (teen teaching assistants), develop and implement curriculum, and facilitate family education programs.

Leadership Responsibilities
• Oversee and administer the Religious School (Prek-10th Grade)
•. Develop curricula and instruction for the Religious School, incorporating contemporary best practices in Reform Jewish education
•. Cultivate positive relationships with students, parents, and the wider congregation
• Develop and expand family programming (such as the Congregational Retreat, Purim Carnival, Selichotapalooza, and Shavuot celebration)
•. Engage teens and college-age young adults in their post-confirmation years
•. Develop and support adult education programs
•. Coordinate Youth Groups (Birth-High School) including overseeing the volunteer youth group advisors to create activity that reinforce the goals of the religious school including URJ
Camp participation
•. Recruit, supervise, train, and mentor all involved in synagogue education (teachers, madrichim (teen teaching assistants), and administrative staff)
•. Participate in relevant synagogue committees (Board of Trustees, School Committee, Lifelong Learning, and Youth Committee)

Administrative Responsibilities
•. Manage the physical space of the religious school classrooms and hallway
•. Oversee religious school budget and expenditures
•. Participate in CCAR, URJ & ARJE and local associations, as they apply to his/her/their position.

Qualifications
•. At least 3 years’ experience, including leadership roles, in some combination of Education, Jewish Education, and Jewish youth programming.
•. Degree in education or educational administration or educational supervision.
•. A degree in Jewish Education - highly desirable
•. Experience with supervising and evaluating staff
•. Experience working with budgets

Compensation
Congregation Etz Chaim prides itself on being a warm and welcoming community. We are open to candidates coming from a range of backgrounds and are committed to hiring for impact, rather than a certain set of experiences. The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $105,000, based on experience. This is a full-time exempt position. We offer health and retirement benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment and a commitment to continued professional development.

To Apply
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter by February 25th, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. The cover letter should answer the following:
•. Why are you interested in this role?
•. What are your top three professional strengths? Please provide an example for each.