Education Director

POSITION: DIRECTOR OF YOUTH EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING
We are seeking an educational leader who has the passion and skills to infuse our synagogue with learning and programming for our members from newborn to eighteen.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY:
Temple Israel of Sharon (“TI”) is located in the thriving suburb of Sharon, Massachusetts – a leafy town with a strong Jewish population midway between Boston and Providence, RI. TI is a vibrant Conservative Jewish community congregation of nearly 500 families with a strong religious school and a successful and growing preschool. At the Temple Israel Religious School, we foster a love of Israel, teach Hebrew Language and Judaic Studies, and enjoy unique programming that brings Judaism to life. Our experiential learning happens through Israeli dancing, Hebrew music, Judaica artmaking, and interactive holiday programs. We are committed to meeting families where they’re at, which is why we have a special track especially geared towards Israeli Hebrew-speakers. Creating diverse and deep Jewish experiences is essential to our program.

We are a welcoming community, open to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. TI promotes positive Jewish experiences in an inclusive environment. Through education, holiday and Shabbat celebrations, worship and community, we create opportunities for members to experience and explore their Jewish identity and nourish their Jewish life.

There is tremendous opportunity to engage in a very involved community with young Jewish families. Our religious school is active, youth group outings are well-attended, weekly Shabbat programs for our youth have built a strong base, our teen madrichim are engaged and our Kehillah High (post B’nai mitzvah program) is off to a great start. Come join the excitement at Temple Israel Religious School!

ROLE: Director of Youth Education and Programming

SELECT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Religious School:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership of K-12 afterschool Religious School, including recruitment, retention, and review of school-wide systems
• Introduce current ideas that adapt Religious School curriculum to a rapidly changing educational landscape
• Lead the review and evolution of our experiential religious school curriculum
• Guide, supervise, and support a dedicated group of teachers
• Enrich and grow our Bnai Mitzvah program
• Build on thriving madrichim program for teens to assist within the Religious School
• Bolster our Kehillah High program for post-B’nai mitzvah age youth
• Nurture a dynamic learning environment
• Evaluate students’ progress in coordination with teachers
• Participate in relevant board meetings and maintain an external media presence
• Supervise and support our Youth Director and Family Educator

Shabbat & Holiday Programs:
• Champion, oversee, coordinate and build on existing Shabbat and holiday programs for TI families, including but not limited to: Torah Tots, Jr. Congregation, Mishpacha Minyan, Family Services, Havdalah and Siddur parties, and special events
• Coordinate Shabbat, High Holiday and Holiday services and programming with religious school teachers, staff, lay leadership, and preschool director
• Facilitate youth group programs, including a Shabbaton
• Coordinate, plan and execute informal youth programming for K-12 students
• Partner in planning and facilitating TI community-wide celebrations such as our Purim Carnival and Chanukah Party.

Overall & Administrative:
• Prepare and manage annual budget for the religious school and programming
• Engage in outreach programs with the Rabbi, preschool director, youth advisor and lay leaders
• Strengthen community with parents, students, congregants and Temple staff
• Develop and share calendars for youth programming

REQUIRED BACKGROUND:
We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about Jewish education, is warm, organized, team-oriented and driven to continuously improve. As a member of our team, you must be comfortable working in partnership with both professionals and lay leaders. You should be deeply knowledgeable of educational best practices, have extensive Jewish knowledge, be an excellent communicator, and someone who feels fulfilled working with children, their parents, and the broader community. You will work closely with and directly report to our Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Fineberg. As a team, we will implement a vision for the school that is welcoming, engaging, and mission-consistent with the synagogue’s values.

• Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree in Jewish education preferred
• 3-5+ years of professional experience in an education related field
• Experience leading and managing a team
• Understanding of Conservative Jewish values, rituals, customs and holiday practices
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to and communicate effectively with clergy, staff, lay leadership, volunteers and members of the congregation and families
• Proficient at preparing and managing budgets and calendars
• Team oriented, committed to working with leaders across the congregation to enrich learning experiences, family connections, and holiday celebrations
• Self-starter with effective time management skills and a demonstrated ability to balance short-term needs with long-term strategic plans

SALARY & BENEFITS:
This is a full-time position with a salary of $85,000 - $90,000, paid vacation and sick days, parental leave, professional membership association dues and convention expense reimbursement, and other benefits.

Send cover letter and resume to tisharonclergysearch@gmail.com.