Director of Youth

Job Title: Director of Youth & Family Engagement and Congregational Education Location: Adath Israel Congregation Position Type: Full-Time Salary: $85,000.00 (negotiable) Hours: Flexible; based on program needs Reports To: Executive Director Overview: Adath Israel Congregation is seeking a passionate, innovative, and experienced individual to fill the role of Director of Youth & Family Engagement and Congregational Education. This unique position combines the leadership of our Congregational School and the creation and implementation of dynamic programs for children, teens, and families (ages 0-18). The ideal candidate will be a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in an synagogue setting and has a deep commitment to Jewish values, education, and community building. If you’re passionate about Jewish education, love working with families and children, and have the skills to inspire and organize exciting, meaningful programming, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Key Responsibilities: Congregational School Leadership: Principal of Congregational School: Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the Congregational School, including curriculum development, teacher supervision, and student engagement. Staff Management: Supervise and support teachers, educational assistants, and volunteers to ensure a high-quality learning environment for students. Student and Family Engagement: Develop initiatives that foster positive relationships between students, families, and the synagogue. Program Design and Implementation: Work closely with clergy to ensure that the curriculum integrates Jewish values, traditions, and community building. Youth & Family Programming Development: Create Family-Focused Programming: Develop, coordinate, and lead innovative programs for youth and their families (children through 18 years old), such as family holiday celebrations, and community-wide Shabbat experiences. High Holy Days & Festivals: Plan and oversee children's programming for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and other Jewish holidays, ensuring a vibrant, meaningful experience for all ages. Shabbat and Weekend Programs: Organize and facilitate Shabbat programming for youth (Junior Congregation, Play and Pray, and other Shabbat activities). Plan community-building events such as Shabbat dinners, luncheons, and Havdalah services. Teen Engagement: Collaborate with teens to create programs, including social events, volunteer opportunities, and leadership development activities. Young Families Programming: Design and implement events and initiatives tailored to families with young children (under 5), ensuring they feel integrated into the community. Leadership and Community Building: ShinShinim Site Supervisor: Oversee the integration of Israeli ShinShinim (Young Emissaries) into the congregation, ensuring their effective involvement in youth programming and educational activities. Youth and Family Advocacy: Act as the primary liaison between the congregation and families with children, creating a welcoming environment for new families and supporting existing members in their Jewish journey. Administrative and Operational Duties: Program Coordination: Manage the logistics of all youth and family programs, including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and promotion. Budget Management: Oversee the annual budget for all youth, family, and educational programs, ensuring programs are cost-effective and align with congregational goals. Community Communication: Maintain regular communication with families, school staff, and lay leadership regarding upcoming events, program updates, and opportunities for involvement. Preferred Qualifications: Educational Credentials: A Master’s degree in Jewish Education or a related field is highly preferred. Experience: A background in Jewish education, with a focus on working with children, teens, and families, preferably with experience as a teacher or principal. Knowledge of Jewish Tradition: Strong knowledge of Jewish rituals, customs, and values, and an ability to integrate these into engaging educational programming. A background in the Conservative Movement is strongly welcomed. Leadership Skills: Proven experience in program coordination and leadership, with an ability to manage multiple projects and teams effectively. Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with an ability to work with a wide range of community members, from children to senior leadership. Key Attributes: Innovative & Creative: Able to think outside the box and design programs that are engaging, meaningful, and relationship-centered. Collaborative: Works well with clergy, staff, and lay leadership to achieve common goals and foster a spirit of teamwork. Passionate About Jewish Education: A deep commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of Jews and building a strong, inclusive Jewish community. Why Join Us? At Adath Israel, we are deeply committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming, relationship-driven community. As the Director of Youth & Family Engagement and Congregational Education, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our congregation and creating meaningful, transformative experiences for families and children of all ages. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside passionate, dedicated individuals in a collaborative environment, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of our members. This is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and build lasting connections within our community. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive, flexible work environment that prioritizes work-life balance. To Apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter to michael@adathisrael.com.