Songleader

Temple Emanuel-El is seeking a dynamic, experienced Songleader and engagement professional to enrich our already robust music and teen culture. The ideal candidate is a talented musician, passionate about engagement work and sharing their love of Judaism with congregants of all ages, but especially the students in our schools. The Songleader will primarily work with the Early Childhood Education Center (“ECEC”), Youth Learning + Engagement (“YL+E”, Temple’s youth and teen community), and Atid (Temple’s Young Adults Initiative). The Songleader will report directly to Cantor Vicky Glikin, Temple’s Senior Cantor, and will work closely with Shira Stevenson (Director of Youth Engagement), Lisa Yanofsky (ECEC Music Specialist), Cantor Leslie Niren (Associate Cantor), and Shelly Sender (Director of the ECEC). This is a full-time position, subject to full benefits, a moving stipend, and professional development resources.

ECEC:

• Responsible for leading groups in Jewish and secular singing sessions
• Develop a culture of song and ruach throughout the school and family engagement events
• Serve as music teacher for classes for children birth through kindergarten
• Serve as Songleader for all the Jewish Holidays and major events, such as Grandfriends Day and weekly Friday Shabbat celebrations
• Creatively enhance the school’s current song repertoire
• Host jam sessions for students, campers and staff
• Infuse spirit and enthusiasm into the school and camp community
• Work closely with Lisa Yanofsky, ECEC Music Specialist, to create a holistic musical experience for the children in the ECEC

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT:
Youth Emanu-El (YE) and Emanu-El 6/7 (YE6/7) are our K-5th grade and 6th/7th grade youth and teen communities that connect our youth to Jewish life outside of the classroom. These communities aim to create lasting friendships, positive Jewish connections and experiences, and a foundation upon which Jewish identity is built. The experience of Emanu-El 6/7 honors the unique experience of middle schoolers and their identity development and formation. Emanu-El 6/7 programming connects youth to Jewish life by focusing on participants’ curiosities, relationship building, and peer leadership opportunities.

• Be present at all Youth Emanu-El (YE) programming as a chaperone, adult role model and
  musical leader. Events include, but are not limited to Parents’ Night Out, holiday celebrations,
  social justice opportunities and more
• Work closely with Shira Stevenson, Director of Youth Engagement, to plan and implement YE6/7 engagement opportunities and Shabbatot from beginning to end. Ensure that there are age-appropriate activities, an appropriate adult to student ratio, and clergy involvement when applicable
• Work to ensure that all YE6/7 programming and events are planned with the unique experience of our middle school students in mind
• Track attendance of participants at events, analyze and use data for future recruitment and event planning
• Work with Director of Youth Engagement to recruit for YE and YE6/7 events, including:
  - Build relationships with students
  - Contact parents and students before events to encourage participation
  - Contact parents and students after events to gather feedback and encourage continued
  involvement
  - Work with families and youth to ensure individual needs are accommodated
• Collaborate with the Director of Youth Education on all retreat and travel logistics including but not limited to booking transportation, collecting funds from participants, submitting deposits, working with travel organizers, etc.

YL+E:

• Responsible for planning and implementation of music and t’fillah education in YL+E’s Sunday morning program in collaboration with Cantors Glikin and Niren

SERVICE LEADERSHIP:

• Tot Shabbat services on either Friday nights, Saturday mornings or Saturday evenings once per month
• ECEC Shabbat every Friday morning
• Youth and Family Shabbat, holiday worship including High Holy Days, Teen worship, B’Yachad (special needs) and Atid (Young Adults)
• Participation in congregational services welcome

OTHER:

• Develop song leading opportunities for interested teens
• Help to envision new ways to enrich Temple with music
• Service on faculty of Greene Family Camp highly encouraged
• Participate in the musical life of the congregation in ways that meet the candidate’s interests and abilities

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience working with and ability to relate to children and youth of all ages
• Strong musical background and ability to read music
• Training and experience in song leading
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple responsibilities
• Comfortable working in a small & large group setting
• Knowledge of school and camp songs and the ability to lead
• Excellent guitar skills
• Desire and ability to work with children indoors and outdoors
• Ability to relate to peers
• Good character, integrity, and adaptability
• Enthusiasm and fun
• Professionalism and a collaborative spirt
• Proficient at Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Self-starter, ability to exercise initiative
• Willingness to be mentored, to grow and to learn
• COVID vaccination

Temple Emanu-El is a vibrant Reform Jewish community that strives to be a place of sacred encounter. It is a place where learning, prayer and deeds change people’s understanding of themselves, of their world and their responsibilities in it. Formed in 1872, Temple Emanu-El is the largest congregation in the Southwest and is among the largest in the United States with close to 2600 member families. You can learn more about Temple Emanu-El at https://www.tedallas.org/