Director of Jewish Learning and Youth Engagement

Location: Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Position Director of Jewish Learning and Youth Engagement
Salary click to view
Degrees: BA, BS
Organization Type Synagogue

Overview:
Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scottsdale, Arizona is a 600-family Reform congregation, established in 1920, the most historic congregation in Arizona. Our congregation aims to create a community filled with meaningful experiences and relationships. In addition to our congregation’s campus in Scottsdale, which includes the Chanen Preschool, Haberkorn Religious School, and Stein Family Mikvah, we also own and operate the Beth Israel Memorial Cemetery in downtown Phoenix and Camp Daisy & Harry Stein in Prescott, Arizona.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and creative Director of Jewish Learning and Youth Engagement (‘Director’) who is inspired by connection, learning, and experimenting. The Director’s primary focus is the youth education program which includes K-6th grade and the Ma’ayan 8th-12th grade teen program integrating Jewish learning, youth programming, and an immersive summer camp experience. Our education program focuses on Jewish identity and knowledge, prayer and B’nai Mitzvah, social justice, Hebrew, Israel programming, and more.

The Director of Jewish Learning and Youth Engagement reports to the Rabbi / Executive Educator (‘Rabbi’), collaborates with the other clergy, the Chief Communal and Executive Officer and administrative staff, the Camp Team, and lay leaders (including the chair of the Youth Education Committee). The Director of Jewish Learning and Youth Engagement supervises the part-time faculty and Madrichim students.

Required Skill Set:
 Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
 Strong organizational/management and collaboration skills.
 A strong sense of self and a high level of emotional maturity.
 Agility with multi-tasking, managing multiple projects, and attention to detail.
 A reliable individual who can work independently but also as part of a team.
 Comfort working in a synagogue and camp community comprised of many members.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  1. Jewish Learning
    a) Work closely with Rabbi to:
    i) Creatively develop and implement program and curriculum for a synagogue Jewish learning experience (Religious School), where students and families engage in Jewish life with integrity, quality, and connection.
    ii) Recruit, hire, and develop strong professional faculty who are present, love Jewish teaching, and are committed to the vision of CBIs youth program.
    iii) Develop a comprehensive and robust Religious School calendar
    iv) Develop student benchmarks and evaluations to ensure that all curricular goals and objectives are being met by teachers and students.
    b) Oversee registration and record keeping in regard to student attendance, report cards and behavior plans when necessary.
    c) Establish clear and ongoing communication systems for parents including weekly updates, timely correspondence and oversight of youth and educational social media.
    d) Facilitate all Youth High Holy Day programming and services; planning and providing leadership for services and programming for students in grades K – 3.
    e) Prepare the annual budget in consultation with the Rabbi and CCEO.

  2. Youth Engagement
    a) Build an engaging, inclusive, and positively identified youth culture, while open and flexible to the growing needs of our CBI community.
    b) Oversee the planning and implementation of the annual youth programmatic calendar.
    c) Cultivate and nurture positive relationships with youth and parents, along with professionals in NFTY and the Jewish community.
    d) Organize and implement the annual 7th – 8th grade Los Angeles trip.
    e) Chaperone annual L’Taken weekend in Washington, D.C.
    f) Assist in fundraising as necessary for the youth program and/or youth endowment.

  3. Camp Daisy and Harry Stein
    a) Work as summer programming staff at Camp Daisy and Harry Stein in a capacity determined by the Camp Director and Clergy that builds synergy and connection to youth programming.

Qualifications:
• At least five years of proven youth education and leadership required.
• Master’s degree in Education and/or Jewish Studies preferred.
• Familiarity with Jewish summer camp, experience as Camper or Staff preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office productivity tools.

Hours: Full Time, Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings may be required.

Benefits:
A comprehensive benefits package is provided