Religious School Director-part time position

About Congregation Kol Shalom, Bainbridge Island, WA
We are Kol Shalom: a vibrant Reform Jewish community finding meaning, building connections, mending the world—together. Kol Shalom is a community of approximately 110 families in beautiful Bainbridge Island, WA a commuter community of Seattle, WA. Defined by joyful song, study, prayer and celebration, Kol Shalom strives to connect with the traditions and values of Judaism, while building an inclusive and egalitarian community with ruach (spirit) and kavanah (intention). From our roots as a small chavurah in the 1980s, Congregation Kol Shalom has evolved into its present form as a congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, with our own building, our full-time Rabbi, Dario Feiguin, Shabbat services every Saturday, a thriving Religious School, and a calendar full of events from adult education to social action to holiday celebrations.

Religious School Director
Congregation Kol Shalom is seeking an innovative, enthusiastic Reform Jewish Educator to serve as the part-time director of our religious school program for grades K-12. As the leader of our school, the director serves as a steward of our mission and vision of the congregation helping to cultivate a love of Jewish life and learning for our children and families. The Director will be responsible for helping to develop a culture of authentic hospitality, sacred care and connected community in his/her/their interactions with fellow staff, congregants, and members of the greater community.
The Director shall assume responsibility for the leadership of the congregation’s Religious School and Hebrew program and be on site as a teacher and director when school is in session.
Specific responsibilities will include, but shall not be limited to:
Inspiration
• Provide excitement and enthusiasm for learning.
• Motivate students, parents, faculty, and fellow staff to engage in meaningful educational experiences.
• Model an active Jewish life and participation at Congregation Kol Shalom.
Creative Programming and Curriculum Implementation
• Oversee creation and implementation of supplemental programs including family education, t’filah, opening day, all school programs, and holiday observances with support from our Rabbi and teaching staff.
• Facilitate successful curriculum implementation of Shalom Learning software, evolution, and evaluation via a creative and innovative approach designed to inculcate a love of Jewish life and learning in all students.
• Support a hybrid model of learning with Hebrew taught online for grades 4-7 and in person classes for grades 1-7 two Sundays per month over nine months per year.

Leadership, Teaching, and Supervision
• Oversee all aspects of the Religious School and Hebrew School including primary staffing, scheduling, faculty meetings, record-keeping activities, school calendar, budgeting, and obtaining necessary supplies and materials.
• Coordinate our Madrichim program for 9th-12th graders by implementing training sessions throughout the school year, mentoring student teachers, partnering with faculty and parents, and overseeing administrative details connected to the program.
• Partner with the Rabbi, Religious School Committee and teachers on educational programming.
• Serve as one of the congregation’s primary teachers.
• Hire, supervise, support, and evaluate teachers.
• Effectively communicate on a regular basis with parents, students, teachers, and the congregation.
• Attend monthly meetings and serve as staff support for the Religious School Committee and any other education related committees or programs.
• Ensure a close connection and communication with Religious School families.
• Be available and present for parents, students, and congregants.
• Be a vital part of the Congregation Kol Shalom team and assist in supporting a variety of programming related to engaging young families and children in Synagogue life.
• Engage in a thoughtful process of feedback, goal setting and ongoing support for teachers.
• Exhibit excellent time management, and a work/life balance.
Member of the Congregation Kol Shalom Team
As a member of the Temple’s professional team, the Religious School Director shall:
• Participate in monthly religious school committee meetings and monthly Kol Shalom Board meetings as requested
• Participate in the life of the Kitsap County and wider Jewish communities.
• Perform functions designated in the Synagogue’s Standard Operating Procedures for holidays and certain life cycle ceremonies.
• Pursue their own professional, Jewish, and personal growth.
• The Director is hired by the Kol Shalom Board of Directors and supervised by the Rabbi and the Religious School Committee chairperson.
Qualifications
Minimum
• Experience with formal and/or informal education and/or Jewish youth programming, including Jewish camp
• Experience working with children with learning differences and behavior challenges.
• Knowledge of Jewish practices, holidays, and customs.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with congregants, clergy, and staff with tact, patience, discretion, and a willingness to be of service.
• Self-starter with high standards of excellence; ability to multi-task, prioritize and work efficiently, think creatively, and solve problems; demonstrate initiative and good judgment.
• Effective written and oral communication.
• Flexible schedule: This position requires hours outside of the “normal” 9 – 5 hours, including some supervision of our youth during evenings and weekends, and can vary based on events and activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong working knowledge of social media, Wi-Fi and video conference technology.
Preferred
• B.A. or B.S.
• Ability to lead informal worship; song leading and ability to play guitar or other instruments is not required but a plus
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional, in-person or hybrid environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including a computer and a cell phone. The employee is generally required to spend extended periods of time sitting, typing, and working at a computer. Person must be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs when school is in session. May require the ability to occasionally lift and transport items.

Commitment to Disability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Congregation Kol Shalom is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. Congregation Kol Shalom is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws.

Salary
Salary range $18,000 to $24,000 depending on experience and qualifications

This position will be available July 1, 2022. Application to be sent to Elaine Liffgens, Chair Religious School Committee