Director of Education and Engagement

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT POSITION OVERVIEW Bet Am Shalom Synagogue is an engaged and loving pluralistic Reconstructionist community of about 400 households in White Plains, NY. Our community is an established and active one that attracts people of all ages who are eager to assume meaningful roles in the creation of a vibrant Jewish community. These values reflect a deep engagement with Jewish practices, traditions, and teachings, as part of a respectful balancing of established practices with new interpretations and forms of religious expression. We are seeking a thoughtful, creative, reliable, inspirational leader as our Director of Education and Engagement to support the day-to-day operations of Torah La’am (our religious school) and related synagogue programming. We are ideally looking for a skilled educator, administrator, and relationship builder. As a congregation, we care deeply about learning at all ages, and are looking for candidates who can partner with the Rabbi and our Programming Committee to build on our existing programs for children, teens, families, and the congregation at large. The Director will work collaboratively with clergy and colleagues, the synagogue staff, and our synagogue School Board. This is a full-time position. RESPONSIBILITIES School Administration: The Director is responsible for the visioning, curriculum design, and management of our K-12 Torah La’am program, working in conjunction with the Rabbi and congregational leadership. Responsibilities include: Overseeing our Torah La’am (K - 6 religious school, currently on Sundays and Wednesdays) and Torah La’am Teens (Monday night classes for 7th-12th graders), comprising approximately 60 students Recruiting, hiring and managing our Torah La’am and Torah La’am Teens teaching staff, including meeting regularly with and overseeing teachers, as well as designing and leading staff meetings (including professional development) Maintaining strong connections and frequent communications with parents and the congregation; writing a periodic Torah La’am newsletter (in conjunction with teachers) Aligning the curriculum with the values of the Reconstructionist movement as interpreted by the Rabbi and practiced by our congregation Coordinating the b’nei mitzvah program, including managing our network of b’nei mitzvah tutors Collaborating with the Executive Director, Rabbi, and Financial Vice President regarding school matters that relate to general synagogue administration, such as budgeting, facilities, human resources and calendar planning Reporting to the School Board Chair regarding school and family issues, and the rabbi regarding Jewish content Coordinating ordering of materials and use of space with our BAS staff Working with BAS Tikkun Olam / Social Action Chevra, and other BAS committees to coordinate intergenerational projects Congregational Programming: Education and Engagement The Director will: Design and lead family-friendly Shabbat and holiday services, which include: Kulanus: a monthly musical Kabbalat Shabbat or holiday service, followed by a community dinner Periodic youth and family Shabbat morning services Shabbat Noar: 2-3x per year opportunity for students to help our rabbi and cantor lead the congregational Shabbat morning service Work with volunteer-led Shorashim (monthly pre-school program) committee Coordinate adult learning and programming initiatives, in conjunction with the Rabbi and BAS Programming Chevra. Management of this portfolio includes helping to plan and implement family learning and adult-focused programs, and collaborating with BAS volunteers Participate in the broader NYC and Westchester Jewish education communities, to share best practices and learn from the larger Jewish education community Provide outreach to potential families, and welcome them into synagogue programs Torah La’am administration is approximately 80% of the position and Congregational programming is approximately 20%. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL: Have at least 3-5 years directing school or related programs Understand, and enjoy working with, children, and have a deep appreciation for, and understanding of, the developmental stages and learning issues relating to a continuum of growth and learning, while sharing passion for the mission of Jewish education Have an M.A. in Education, Jewish Education, or related field, or significant experience in Jewish education; rabbinic or cantorial ordination a plus Have experience working in Reconstructionist congregations and / or pluralistic liberal learning environments Be well organized, thorough at execution and follow-through Communicate effectively and confidently with all constituents: children, parents, congregational members, teachers, other administrators, and community leaders – in groups large and small, verbally and in writing Be a skilled song leader who can lead the musical experiences, including Toram La'am Assemblies, Shabbat and Holiday Kulanus, and Shorashim Circle Time Playing a musical instrument is a plus SALARY AND BENEFITS $80,000 - $110,000, plus health insurance and pension package. Bet Am Shalom Synagogue is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, faith, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability or on any other ground. We are committed to fostering a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive workplace, and strongly encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Jewish Staffing