Religious School Director - Pine Brook Jewish Center

The Pine Brook Jewish Center located in Montville, New Jersey, is a welcoming and caring community that encourages and cultivates the spiritual and intellectual growth of our congregants while at the same time providing an array of social activities for all ages. Our mission is to be a vibrant egalitarian Conservative Jewish community, embracing our traditions while actively participating in our changing world. We are a joyous and spirited community that welcomes you to celebrate, learn, and perform tikun olam, social action to repair the world. Anyone who is familiar with the Pine Brook Jewish Center knows that it is a special and sacred place filled with warmth and kindness.

Your job as the Religious School Director is to oversee our fabulous Religious School including our Challah Days (pre-K program), our Primary Program (K-2), our Religious School Program (Aleph-Hey) and our B’Yachad Program (post B’nai Mitzvah; grades 8th - 12th). It is your job to inspire in our students a love of Judaism and an appreciation of their Jewish identity. To help them wrestle with the world through Jewish lenses and to know that the synagogue can be both a place of comfort and security, but also a place that will push them and help them grow as Jews in the world. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership and organizational skills, have a deep understanding of Jewish education and culture, and be committed to promoting Hebrew language and proficiency and Jewish values.

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking someone with a strong understanding of education and can help guide and mentor their faculty along their individual journeys as teachers. This educator would have a passion for teaching and seek to foster strong relationships with their staff, their students, and the families of our religious school as well as the entire Temple community.

We are looking for an educator who has a desire to think critically about the ever-changing ways we educate our youth and can see alternative ways forward.

We are also searching for someone who sees themselves as part of a larger team. As a member of the Senior Staff of the Temple, and in partnership with our lay leaders, you would be part of a critical team of individuals responsible for the wellbeing of our Temple family and be part of the team making sure that we are continually evolving as an institution. Helping to ensure that we are always an institution of substance and making sure that we are always a safe place for those who need it.

Religious School Director Responsibilities

Curriculum and Programming

• To monitor, evaluate, revise and/or create as-needed curriculum for Pre-K-12th. Curriculum should integrate Jewish History, culture, language, and values into engaging educational activities and experiences.
• Oversee adult education for the congregation as a whole, in conjunction with the Adult Education Chairpeople.
• Develop a robust family education program, including planning and leading individual class services.
• Parent and Community Engagement: Establish strong relationships with parents and guardians to ensure open lines of communication, solicit feedback, and encourage their active involvement in the Religious School program.
• Collaborate with clergy and Senior Staff team on existing and expanding programs.
• Oversee our Madrichim program and help our teens grow into becoming great Teachers’ Aides.
• Expectation of remaining current with pedagogical theories and developments.
• Assist with B’nai Mitzvah lessons, as appropriate, and in conjunction with the clergy.

Administration and Communication

• Oversee the administration and management of the religious school, including programs, policies, registration, class schedules, marketing, and payroll.
• In conjunction with Senior Staff, develop and maintain the religious school calendar, including holiday celebrations, family events, and educational programs, in collaboration with the Religious School Committee and clergy.
• Manage and coordinate internal and external communication with clergy, staff, parents, students, and teachers regarding religious school matters.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Religious School Committee and develop an agenda for meetings with the Chair.
• Maintain confidential files that include student data and reports.
• Assist with fundraising in conjunction with the Religious School Committee.

Supervision

• Hire, train, supervise/evaluate school faculty, staff, and madrichim.
• Have regular staff meetings.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, supervision, and professional development opportunities to ensure high-quality instruction.
• Create grade and classroom assignments for teachers.

Budget

Prepare and manage the annual budget for the school in conjunction with the Finance Committee.

Hours

The position is full time, but your schedule when school is not in session is flexible. Religious school hours are Tuesdays from 4:00 pm -6:00 pm and Sundays from 9:00 am – 11:15 am, Thursdays for B’Yachad from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Jewish Education, Education, or an advanced degree in a similar field or at least a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in a religious school setting.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including experience communicating with parents, students, faculty, clergy, lay leadership, and congregations.
• Knowledge of current educational technologies and innovative teaching methodologies.
• Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and creating a welcoming environment for all students and families.
• Flexible to work evenings and weekends, as needed, to accommodate Religious School programs and events.

We welcome applicants of every background, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, disability status, marital status, and sexual orientation.

Salary

Salary is based on candidates experience and education. Salary range is estimated to be between $65,000-$80,000. We also offer a package that includes healthcare and professional expenses. We also offer 20 days of paid time off plus sick and personal days as well as days for professional development.