Director of Youth and Family Education

Sherith Israel is seeking an educator with tremendous vision, creativity, and command of current best practices in Jewish education to work with our rabbis and lay leadership to continue our re-envisioning of youth education. The Director reports to the Senior Rabbi, directs youth and family education, is the public face of the congregation’s work to engage families and their children, and has primary responsibility for successfully implementing the vision in our religious school (Studio@SherithIsrael). The Director is expected to be a spokesperson for the religious school and other youth and family educational programing, and actively building community among enrolled and prospective families. This is an exciting opportunity for leadership within Sherith Israel as well as leadership and visibility in the wider community.

Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Senior Rabbi, continue to build upon the vision for our religious school, creating a program that prepares our students to become engaged Jewish adults, strengthens community, and utilizes the rich resources of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Directs the religious school, including:
Curriculum and calendar development and implementation;
Outreach and publicity;
Ensure smooth enrollment process with support of admin staff;
Staff/teacher recruitment, hiring, management and supervision, currently consisting of a part time administrative support position and five teachers;
Working with the executive director and treasurer to develop and manage the youth education budget;
Building relationships and communicating with religious school families;
Work with the rabbis on T’filah services during religious school;
In conjunction with clergy and our tutor(s), prepare students to become b. mitzvah [our non gendered nomenclature].

In coordination with clergy and our Parent Advisory Committee, develop a comprehensive calendar of religious and community building events for students and their families, including Youth and Family High Holiday Services, Hanukkah and Purim celebrations, shabbat dinners, annual retreat.

Directs youth group and madrichim programs with oversight of youth group staff.

Works in conjunction with our Preschool Director for Judaic content support and to develop synagogue programming for the early childhood cohort.
With the rabbis, provide periodic teaching in the preschool;
Assist in running preschool Shabbat services and monthly Tot Shabbat services;
Provide in-service training for preschool staff as needed.

Communication and Community Building:
With the support of the administrative staff, ensure effective communication with students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders
Foster a sense of community within the school by building strong relationships with families;
With the implementation support of the administrative staff, ensure website, social media, and other communications platform content is up to date, relevant, and engaging.

In coordination with other members of the congregation, its clergy and professional staff, the Director will represent the congregation and religious school at events, conferences, and other events to enhance our public visibility and attract new congregants and students.
Qualifications:
A Master’s Degree in Jewish Education (or equivalent work experience in Jewish educational leadership and/or school administration).
Minimum of 5 years of experience in Jewish education, preferably in a leadership role.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong curriculum development and implementation skills.
Experience working with and including diverse learners.
Ability to motivate and inspire others.
Demonstrates commitment to Jewish values and traditions.
Ability to read Hebrew.

FTE: Half-time (20 hour per week) salaried position