Background

United Synagogue Youth (USY) is the premier Jewish teen engagement program for the Conservative movement. Through our important work USY empowers Jewish youth to develop friendships, leadership skills, a sense of belonging to the Jewish People, a deep engagement with and love for Israel, and a commitment to inspire Jewish living through meaningful and fun experiences based on the ideology of Conservative Judaism.

Position Summary

The Branch Director is the key lead position for USY’s new engagement initiative. The Branch Director serves as an engagement leader executing and implementing key program components of teen engagement and leadership that enhance USY’s mission and core values. Working closely with teens, the Branch Director is responsible for creating and managing impactful and meaningful engagement initiatives and programs.

Position reports to:

Director of Teen Engagement Department

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of this position include, but are not limited, to the following:

Programming:

● Develop and implement programmatic goals related to teen engagement, learning and leadership.

● Manage, mentor and support teen Regional USY and Kadima leadership.

● Work closely together with teens to create impactful and meaningful programs.

● Oversee and manage all aspects of overnight and/or multi-day programming.

● Create yearly programming calendar.

● Monitor regional teen programs and activities so they comply with USY/Kadima standards and policies (including safety/security, Jewish ritual, and learning).

● Oversee registration materials and backend process with Operations & System Managers.

● Provide Regpacks user support.

● Facilitate teen participation in USY’s International Convention.

● Foster and manage relationships with Regional volunteer staff and lay leadership.

● Empower and support teen leadership in planning and executing USY conventions.

● Implement the strategic vision for USY and Kadima.

Financial:

● Develop and oversee program budgets and adhere to fiscal policies and procedures.

● Generate financial reports and program analysis.

● Manage event registration, scholarship process, payment plans and financial collection in coordination with Systems & Finance Manager.

● Develop strategies to meet overall local and national fundraising goals.

● Manage local chapter scholarship process.

Operations:

● Facilitate coordination with operations, systems, and finance staff in the New York office.

● Monitor operational backend for USY and Kadima together with the Operations and Finance Managers.

Outreach and Recruitment

● Build relationships and partnership opportunities with local professionals, local Conservative congregations and other Jewish organizations.

● Promote participation in USY/Kadima programming.

● Participate in overall plan to increase membership numbers and participation.

Ideal Candidate Key Qualities for Success in this Position:

Skills

● Strong leadership and organization skills

● Supervisory/people-management skills

● Budget planning and tracking

● Coaching skills

● Planning and implementation

● Relationship Building

● Conflict management

● Strong oral and written communications skills

● Facilitation skills

● Knowledge of the Jewish tradition; demonstrated commitment to Conservative

Jewish living and/or interest in learning

● Experience working with teens

● Knowledge of mental health, safety and well-being for teens

Education

● Minimum – degree from four year college or university

● Commitment to personal growth and ongoing education

Preferred Education and Experience

● At least 4 years’ experience working in related fields

● Degree in relevant field(s) including: Jewish Studies, Education, Business/Non-Profit Management, Finance

● Experience in planning large-scale events

● Supervisory experience

● Advanced training in a field that will enhance director’s ability to be of greater

service to youth and youth programs

Supervisory Responsibility

Manages USY Branch Director(s) of Engagement and Engagement Associates

Work Environment

This position may operate in an office located within proximity to assigned regions. Location may be on-site at a Conservative synagogue, a nearby USCJ office, or at a home office.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full time position, exempt from overtime, which will require some extended hours due to evening and weekend conventions and meetings.

Travel

The position supports a geographic area comprising two or more USY regions. Must be able to travel on a regular basis to Regional events. Position includes evening and weekend responsibilities. Travel to the International Convention and occasional travel to USCJ staff meetings.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Must have authorization to work in the U.S.

Valid passport and driver’s license

Background check

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

United States or Canadian Work Eligibility

As frequent in-person interaction with USCJ teens is required for this role, the staff-member must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 within 6 weeks of start date. 

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty/function with or without reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law. 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change from time to time.