Director of Youth Education

In this half-time position, The Director of Youth Education will organize, administer and promote Temple Torat Emet’s education programs for Grades 3-7, including the B’nai Mitzvah Program, and Grades 8-12 in coordination and collaboration with other temple staff and lay leadership who work with youth, including, but not limited to the VP of Education, Clergy, Director of Early Childhood Education, (Wiston Family Torah Tots, Pre-K & Kinderklub, Grades K-2).
Temple Torat Emet’s religious school program is named ESARS, (Esther & Simon Adler Religious School), High School program is named HIP, (High School Incentive Program). ESARS and HIP are focused on capturing the spirit of Jewish learning, discovery, community, and fun that our students and families experience in Temple Torat Emet’s education programs. Both ESARS and HIP are exciting journeys of Jewish learning and discovery for children, teens, and families and an opportunity to develop and strengthen Jewish identity, knowledge, and community. In both programs we seek to instill in our children and families a sense of commitment to and excitement about Jewish life and Jewish peoplehood. We strive to enable our children and families to understand the Jewish past, being inspired and empowered to create a Jewish life in the present that is committed to Tikun Olam. The philosophy and atmosphere of our education programs invites our students to develop a love of Jewish tradition and the study of Torah, participating in and leading services, along with the questioning that our tradition encourages. Overall, our goal for children, teens, and families is to be challenged, inspired, and energized by the power of Jewish ideas and traditions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Oversight:
   a. Continue to develop the ESARS and HIP programs for our children and their families that is educationally sound, engaging and meaningful.
   b. Consult with VP of Education, Education Committee, Rabbi and Cantor on overall program ideas and problem solving.
   c. Hire and supervise teachers and investing them in the program through collaboration and professional development.
   d. Foster a connection to Israel among students, parents, and teachers.
   e. Manage administration of ESARS & HIP programs:
2. preparation of education and enrollment materials, sharing with families and teachers the program’s rules and expectations, developing and monitoring the program’s budget, managing class scheduling and facility use.
3. Encourage program and temple wide involvement among parents and faculty.
4. Communication and PR:
   a. Develop and maintain two-way relationships with all program participants through in-person conversations, e-mail, temple e-blasts and social media, as appropriate.
   b. Promote the program through no-cost communal publicity outlets.
   c. Partner with Education & Membership committees & Clergy in developing and implementing a plan to recruit new families and build program enrollment.
   d. Participate in planning and presenting temple-wide annual programming including Welcome Back Shabbat, High Holy Day family programs, Mitzvah Day, Intergenerational Shabbat, Open Houses, Hanukkah Program, Purim Carnival, and Chocolate Seder
   e. Meet with VP of Education monthly to review accomplishments and issues, and prepare monthly reports to the Board, and attend Board Meetings and Staff Meetings.
   f. Meet monthly with staff to discuss issues, problems and achievements and provide a written account of the meeting, outlining next steps and expectations.
5. B’nai Mitzvah:
   a. Partner with B’nai Mitzvah Committee to develop and lead pre-B’nai Mitzvah workshops for families with Rabbi and Cantor.
   b. Discuss with families the ways to make the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience personally meaningful.
   c. Discuss with families Tikun Olam and possible mitzvah project ideas.
   d. Partner with Rabbi to assist students in writing Divrei Torah speeches.
6. Qualifications:
   a. A minimum of five years’ experience in Jewish education. Experience leading a Conservative Jewish education program is preferred.
   b. Strong knowledge of Jewish traditions, culture, and Hebrew language.
   c. Proven ability to work with children, teachers, and parents in an educational setting.
   d. Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
   e. Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and families.
   f. A passion for fostering Jewish education and community engagement.