Director of Congregational Learning

Overall Mandate of Position:

The DOCL, as an integral part of the leadership team of Temple, is responsible for the development and oversight of lifelong learning, experiential and education opportunities focused on childhood and youth education. The DOCL will collaborate and support clergy staff who have primary responsibility for the vision, direction and execution of adult and extending learning programming.

The DOCL should inspire our students and our Temple family through innovative and engaging teaching/curriculum design, commitment to Reform Judaism and development of community partnerships. The DOCL will represents the Temple within the Jewish and extended community at a broad range of educational activities and philanthropic events.

The primary mandate is the leadership and operation of the Religious & Hebrew Schools. This position also serves as the Temple site supervisor for our Shinshinim/Israel Youth Emissary program.

Please submit Cover Letter and Resume to educationsearch@templesinai.net before January 19, 2024

WHAT’S REQUIRED IN THIS ROLE

We are seeking an excellent, dedicated, skilled educator to enhance and further develop our educational programs and approach. We are searching for a people-centered, hands-on professional who helps us see the big picture. Working in collaboration with the senior staff team and in partnership with lay leadership is essential.

Preferred Education and Work Experience:

● University degree and Masters in Education or equivalent

● Extensive experience teaching multi-levels within a Jewish educational institution, including curriculum development

● Commitment to synagogue life and to promoting progressive Jewish values

● 5 years in leadership and/or principal capacity.

● Knowledge of current learning technologies and modern innovative teaching methodologies

● Experience working in a synagogue and working with a board of directors is an asset

● Proficiency in Hebrew

Key Skills, Knowledge, Competencies:

● People Leadership: Model dynamic, excellent teaching that inspires individuals. Knowledge of consultative process to determine needs of Temple families and design meaningful programs to reflect them. Proven skills in creating a collaborative culture and positive experience for Principals, employees and volunteers. Provides strong vision, direction, support, coaching and feedback. Builds teams and support Principals/supervisors in effectively leading their teams

● School principal experience: Strong expertise in operating and leading a small or mid-sized learning institution. Program strategy and research, policy, classroom design and management, and constituent management

● Jewish education teaching and curriculum development: Bring outstanding Torah understanding and the ability to translate it into learning experiences for learners ranging from Nursery school to senior citizens. In-depth capabilities to assess learning needs, design relevant programs, execute training/teach and assess the impact of learning against objectives

● Communications and Influencing: Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication. Shows ability to adapt influencing style for audience and constituency

● Program administration and evaluation: Training and experience in supporting formal and informal education systems and events. Organizational and communication skills necessary to engage all stakeholders in evaluating school and synagogue programs

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Our DOCL is a key member of our senior staff team. As such, the DOCL is expected to lead and help develop new initiatives and programs for the Temple family. The following areas of accountability are not exhaustive and describe the current shape of the position.

Synagogue Education Philosophy Development

● In collaboration with the Rabbi, develop the educational philosophy, program strategy and educational policies for the synagogue

● Evolve positioning and learning about Jewish Identity

Religious and Hebrew School Management

● Manage the operations of the Religious and Hebrew schools and a large variety of programs

● Recruit, supervise and provide training for Hebrew and religious school teachers

● Provide leadership for program direction, course content and teaching methodologies. Adapt programming to trends in current society and various changing learning needs of the Temple

● Manage proactively parent relationships and community connections, including providing timely, regular, and clear communication with parents

● Develop and monitor school safety policies and procedures

● Oversee the annual school calendar, scheduling of classes, and school events

● Manage special needs programming and provide extended youth learning opportunities post-bar/bat mitzvah

Early Childhood and Hebrew School Education

● Manage Nursery school principal and Hebrew School coordinator and their teams of teachers and volunteers

● Work with Nursery School Principal to develop an engaging and innovative curriculum for early childhood education that is based upon Reform Judaism and Temple values

● Design programs that provide opportunities for families to connect to one another

Adult Education Involvement

● Work collaboratively with the Rabbi/clergy who leads the adult studies portfolio.

● Provide insights to help Temple Sinai continuously evolve our approach to learning to make it interesting and valuable and to attract new participants.

● Prepare an annual calendar of adult education opportunities and plan how the programs will be delivered (in person, virtual) and who will teach them

● Work collaboratively with other organizations to bring noteworthy speakers to our Temple community

● Represent the Temple within the Toronto and Jewish communities; participate in events and philanthropy activities

Other Educational Priorities

● Develop and implement strategies for informal enrichment activities (holiday programs, children’s services, Shabbat dinners) for families with children, as well as for adults.

● Plan and implement opportunities for multi-generational and family learning

● Supervise young emissaries from Israel. Lead selection, scheduling and programming for one shinshinim

● Attend and report (as needed) at monthly Board meetings

Contacts:

Internal:

● Direct and indirect management of staff

● Senior staff

● Lay leadership

● Students’ parents and families

External:

● Community and Jewish Community at large

Location and Hours of Work:

● This role will work out of Temple Sinai Congregation, 210 Wilson, Toronto, Ontario.

● As a senior staff position, this is a full-time position.

● The role is predominantly Sunday to Thursday during the school year and Monday to Friday during the school off-season with some full weekends on trips and or conclaves, camp, and or community events. There are also expectations that on a scheduled basis, there will be additional weekend work

Application Information:

Please submit Cover Letter and Resume to educationsearch@templesinai.net before January 19, 2024

Please note that all applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We thank all those who apply for this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.