Director or Assistant Director of Youth and Family Engagement

Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, IL

Director or Assistant Director of Youth and Family Engagement

Reports to: Senior Director of Learning and Engagement

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Who We Are

Congregation Beth Shalom is a thriving, multigenerational Conservative synagogue of nearly 1,000 households located in Northbrook, Illinois. We are a warm, welcoming community dedicated to enriching lives through meaningful worship, lifelong learning, acts of kindness, and deep personal connections.

At Beth Shalom, we strive to create a place where members can celebrate community, cultivate meaningful relationships, and experience an uplifting and joyful Judaism. Through vibrant religious services, innovative educational programming, engaging youth and family experiences, robust adult learning opportunities, and compassionate pastoral care, we seek to support our members through every stage of life.

Our clergy, professional staff, and lay leadership work collaboratively to foster an inclusive environment where individuals and families feel connected, supported, and inspired.

Director of Youth and Family Engagement

The Director of Youth and Family Engagement is responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing engaging, meaningful, and relationship-centered programs for families with children from birth through 12th grade. This role fosters connections among children, teens, parents, and the congregation, helping families build lasting Jewish relationships and experiences throughout every stage of their journey.

Working in partnership with and under the guidance of the Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, the Director provides vision, leadership, and oversight for all youth and family engagement initiatives, including youth groups, family programming, Shabbat experiences, High Holiday programming, retreats, and community building opportunities. The Director is responsible for the overall strategy, supervision, and evaluation of youth and family engagement efforts, while partnering with Engagement Associates and other staff who serve as primary implementers of many programs. The Director works collaboratively with clergy, executive director, educators, lay leaders, staff, and volunteers to create innovative and impactful Jewish experiences that strengthen connections to Jewish life, learning, and community.

The Director of Youth and Family Engagement plays a central role in creating a vibrant, welcoming, and meaningful Jewish community where children, teens, and families can connect, grow, and thrive.

Primary Responsibilities

Youth Group Leadership

• Provide strategic direction, planning, and evaluation for all youth group programming, including:
  • Nitzanim (Kindergarten – 2nd Grade)
  • Chaverim (3rd – 5th Grade)
  • Gesher (6th – 8th Grade)
  • USY (8th – 12th Grade)
• Supervise and support part‑time Engagement Associates, staff, and volunteers responsible for implementing youth group programming and building relationships with participants and families.
• Develop age‑appropriate programming that promotes Jewish identity, leadership, friendship, and community engagement.
• Foster strong relationships with youth and families and serve as a visible and approachable presence within the congregation.

Family Engagement

• Create and oversee innovative family engagement opportunities for families with children from birth through high school.
• Develop programs that encourage families to build Jewish community and incorporate Jewish values, traditions, and celebrations into their lives.
• Partner with clergy and staff to engage both affiliated and prospective families.

Shabbat and Holiday Programming

• Oversee all youth and family Shabbat programming, including ongoing Shabbat experiences for children and families.
• Coordinate and supervise youth and family programming during the High Holidays, ensuring meaningful, age‑appropriate experiences for all participants.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate teachers and staff who facilitate Shabbat and High Holiday youth programming.
• Collaborate with clergy and staff to integrate youth and family engagement into the broader worship and holiday experience.

Retreats and Special Programs

• Lead the planning and execution of our Families with Young Children annual retreat, Shabbaton, in coordination with the Planning Committee.
• Manage logistics, staffing, budgets, registrations, communications, and program evaluation for major youth and family events.

Community Building and Outreach

• Cultivate strong relationships with children, teens, parents, and caregivers.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for families within the congregation.
• Work collaboratively with congregational leadership to support membership engagement and retention efforts.
• Identify opportunities to welcome and engage new families in congregational life.

Administrative Leadership

• Collaborate on creating calendars in partnership with the Senior Director of Learning and Engagement and other staff.
• Manage program budgets and resources responsibly.
• Maintain effective communication with families through email, social media, and other communication channels.
• Evaluate programs and use feedback to continuously improve engagement opportunities.
• Partner with Sr Director of Learning and Engagement to develop and enhance youth and family engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. For director level consideration, advanced degree in Jewish Education, Jewish Communal Service, Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with children, teens, and families in a synagogue, camp, educational, youth movement, or communal setting.
• Strong knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and practices, with the ability to create meaningful and engaging Jewish experiences.
• Proven success in program development, event planning, and community engagement.
• Experience supervising staff, educators, volunteers, or program leaders and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with youth, families, clergy, staff, and lay leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, think creatively, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Must be available to attend and support evening, weekend, Shabbat, High Holiday, and other significant events and programs throughout the year, as required.
• Passion for helping children, teens, and families build lasting connections to Jewish life and community.
• Must be an innovative programming creator to engage youth and families throughout our community.

Benefits for Full‑Time Employees

• Congregation Beth Shalom offers a supportive, mission‑driven work environment and a competitive benefits package, including:
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick days, and holidays)
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate both congregational needs and work‑life balance.
• Health insurance coverage
• Professional Development opportunities
• Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 commensurate with experience

Application

Please send cover letter and resume to Carly Wallenstein, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, View email address on click.appcast.io