Youth and Family Programming Director

Kehillat Beth Israel (KBI) - Ottawa's largest Conservative synagogue - seeks a visionary leader to guide, strengthen, and grow our youth programming. Serving over 500 families, and over 150 young people (early childhood through grade 12), KBI is poised for excitement and success in the years to come.

A part-time Youth and Family and Programming Director will help build the foundation for family and youth programming in our community by:

• Creating innovative and engaging programs for Ketanim (Grades 1-2) Chaverim (Grades 3-5), Gesher (Grades 6-8) and USY (Grades 9-12).
• Enriching Shabbat and Holiday programs for children up to grade 6, making shul not only a meaningful but also enticing place to pray and play.
• Creating family-based programs

Job Overview

The Youth and Family Programming Director ("the director") serves as the lead programmer and administrator for all programming and engagement for young families, children and youth. Reporting to the Executive Director and Rabbi (or their designee), the director collaborates closely with clergy, staff, lay leaders, children, youth, and families to deliver a wide range of dynamic programs to build strong and lasting Jewish identities.

A qualified candidate will have the ability to work with minimal supervision, possess creative problem-solving skills, work well as a team player, and have strong organizational skills including planning, scheduling, marketing and meeting deadlines. The goal of this role is to offer new and exciting initiatives that maximize the participation of our youth in formal and informal programs, inside and outside the shul. This includes youth groups (Ketanim, Chaverim, Gesher, and USY). This individual will also oversee our young family programming, engaging the youngest members of our community. Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills with youth, teens, and parents are essential.

The director will be an integral member of a larger team of staff and clergy. The director will be a collaborative partner with the synagogue's Executive Director, clergy, and Director of OTT@KBI. The director will serve as the lead staff for the synagogue's Youth Committee. This individual will serve as a dugmah, an example and role model, to the children of KBI.

Program Summary

• KBI's USY chapter, JACCUSY: Jews Around Canada's Capital United Synagogue Youth, affiliated with the ECRUSY (Eastern Canada) Region
• USY (grades 9-12)
• Gesher (grades 6-8)
• Chaverim (grades 3-5)
• Ketanim (grades 1-2)

Youth activities are scheduled approximately once per month for each group in addition to twice monthly Shabbat programming.

YOUNG FAMILIES

• Twice monthly Tot Shabbat, babysitting, and Monthly Family Services are offered for families with children ages 0-5

SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS

• KBI offers unique programming for all ages on the High Holy Days
• Regular child-focused programs on Jewish holidays
• Larger endeavours tied to Jewish holidays such as Chanukah, Purim and Passover

Full Job Description

The director is a part‐time employee of Kehillat Beth Israel, reports to the Rabbi and Executive Director and works in collaboration with other KBI staff and volunteers. The director's engagement in all aspects are outlined in the descriptive bullets listed below. The director will:

• Build relationships with children and parents to support their interests and encourage their participation in and growth throughout congregational life.
• Plan, calendar, market, and organize youth group events with group members, giving them agency in their Jewish journeys
  • Reflect social interests of the youth participants, as well as the religious goals of the synagogue's vision of experiential education.
  • Strive to expand the participation of our youth groups with more involvement and active engagement in chapter, regional, and international programs.
• Oversee the implementation of our young family programming both on Shabbat/Holidays as well as other regular activities throughout the year.
• Coordinate our children's holiday programming both on the High Holy Days as well as around other holiday observances.
• Select, train and oversee parent volunteers serving as adviso