Director of Lifelong Learning

Director of Lifelong Learning
Position Available: As early as Spring 2023

KAM Isaiah Israel is an innovative congregation whose members value intellectual discourse, social justice, and cultural engagement, among many other attributes. We are an urban congregation located near a world class university with an award-winning, nationally recognized social justice program highlighted by an urban farm that has grown and donated over 25,000 pounds of organic produce to feed those in need.

Our children’s education program follows this innovative path. Eight years ago, the congregation did away with its traditional Sunday School program in favor of a child-centered, Shabbat-based program. That program needs a leader who can continue to build and implement a program that seeks to accomplish serious Jewish learning and study through non-traditional means.

Our adult learning programs take many forms, from two weekly Torah study groups (one lay-led and one clergy-led), to cultural experiences such as art installations or concerts, to a Shabbat based lecture series, and traditional classes such as Intro to Judaism. We are excited about the possibilities for expanded adult learning through both traditional and experimental programs as we seek to establish ourselves as a true center for Jewish life.

The ideally suited candidate is someone who can think outside the box, is not afraid to set lofty goals, but knows how to implement grand plans incrementally and practically. Our Director must be willing to take risks, learn, and re-design. This is an opportunity for an educator to make a mark in a new, innovative model of religious education that we hope will become a model for other congregations.

Our religious school:

Shoresh: Jewish Roots for Life is a learner-centered approach to education in which students learn by participating rather than passively observing. For this reason, our program now runs on Jewish time, rather than the traditional Sunday programming, using authentic experiences to enable our students and parents to develop their own Jewish identity, a deep and broad knowledge of Torah, Jewish traditions, values, ritual, and community life. The name we have chosen reflects our commitment to establishing Jewish educational roots that will last a lifetime, but also particularly resonates with our congregation which has chosen to be repairers of and contributors to this world by planting actual food-bearing roots to bring nourishment to the community around us.

Our experiential program in pre-kindergarten through second grade is inspired by the Reggio-Emelio principles of providing an enriching environment to support children as they guide their own curriculum. The program focuses on learning through doing, experiencing, touching and participating.

Beginning in third grade and running through sixth grade, we provide a project-based learning program, where students approach Torah, values, history, and ritual through real-life experiences. For example, rather than studying about the theoretical practice of Shabbat on a Sunday morning, our Friday afternoon program culminates in our weekly family Shabbat service where parents and children come together to study, pray, and learn together as a community. Children in first through sixth grades also choose one elective per trimester where they can explore Jewish learning through a medium that sparks their particular interest, for example, through Jewish games, art, music, cooking, drama, or gardening, to name just a few examples.

Children in third through sixth grades also study Hebrew both in our Friday afternoon program and in our innovative one-on-one “Hebrew at Home” remote tutoring program.

Job requirements:

The Director of Lifelong Learning is responsible for programming and administration of educational and engagement opportunities for the KAM Isaiah Israel community. KAM Isaiah Israel strongly encourages visionary leadership and experimentation to build a dynamic program for Lifelong Learning.

Duties include:
• administration of Shoresh, Hebrew instruction, and holiday educational programming;
• creating an environment where students and parents feel welcomed and involved in the Shoresh community and the larger congregational community;
• continuously evaluating the effectiveness of the program and making changes as necessary;
• preparing and leading retreats and shabbatons with the rabbi and cantor;
• coordinating B’nei Mitzvah preparation with the rabbi and cantor;
• developing and maintaining a dynamic curriculum that engages all ages, sparks an interest in Judaism, provides a wide breadth and depth of Jewish knowledge, and leads to a lifetime of Jewish learning;
• coordinating the program of volunteer madrichim within Shoresh;
• working with parents and teachers to create educational plans for students who need additional support in the classroom;
• working together with rabbi, cantor, and community leaders to create a diverse and active schedule of adult learning opportunities;
• partnering with the Executive Director, office manager, and building staff to manage facility needs for all educational programming;
• participating in training and educational opportunities for religious school leaders and educators;
• as a member of the senior leadership team, collaborating in the planning and execution of congregational dinners;
• preparing an annual budget, tracking billing and collection of Shoresh tuition, approving expenditures, and keeping financial records;
• preparing the Shoresh calendar, scheduling classes, assigning classroom space, ordering books and supplies, etc.;
• conducting regular faculty meetings and faculty performance reviews;
• maintaining regular communication with the congregation, including a newsletter for Shoresh families and educational program announcements;
• seeking funding opportunities and writing grant proposals when relevant;
• leading all Shoresh committee meetings, and meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors;
• overseeing school safety policies, procedures, and licensing standards;
• promoting interaction with the larger Chicagoland and Hyde Park Jewish communities and with religious organizations of all faiths in our community;
• collaborate on communications and advertising strategies for the educational program and religious school;
• oversee implementation of the congregation’s strategic plan for our educational programming

Education/Experience desired:
• Master’s degree in education, Jewish education, childhood development, or other relevant subject preferred;
• experience in camping, particularly in Jewish camps
• experience in Project Based Learning
• progressive pedagogy ideology
• Hebrew knowledge preferred
• commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access

Team:
The Director of Lifelong Learning manages a seasonal teaching staff and volunteer madrichim. The Director is part of a collaborative senior team with the Executive Director and the clergy. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Hours and Location:
This is a full time position. The Director of Lifelong Learning and the Executive Director will create a hybrid schedule to include remote and in-person work time. The congregation desires the Director to be present on Friday and Saturday mornings and at educational programs and events. There is great flexibility in the schedule and we strongly value family life/work balance.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 with a complete benefits package

KAM Isaiah Israel is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and the congregation’s needs. As a Reform Jewish religious and educational institution, certain staff positions may require specific credentials. KAM Isaiah Israel does not discriminate against any person in matters of employment, application for employment, or participation in our programs or benefits on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a disabled veteran, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by laws. At KAM Isaiah, we proudly celebrate the diversity of our staff and membership.

KAM Isaiah Israel performs an employment background check.
All employees of KAM Isaiah Israel must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and references to: applications at kamii dot org