RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR – POSITION DESCRIPTION
SCOPE OF DUTIES

GENERAL DUTIES AND STRUCTURE
The primary mission of the Beth Emeth Religious School (RS) is to support the development of Jewish identity, Jewish values and connection to the Jewish community through traditional learning with experiential opportunities with the development of a curriculum, in collaboration with the School Committee, that balances historical perspectives and modern day reflections to deliver well-rounded, accessible and stimulating education for all learners in a flexible environment. Our school program is built on connection: with classmates, the CBE community, and to Judaism and Jewish identity.

The Director provides vision, leadership, and direction to the Congregation’s K to 10 formal education programs. Responsibilities include creation of a positive school climate; significantly updating current curriculum and course of study as we embark on a new model for our religious school, in consultation with, where applicable, the Rabbi and the School Committee; and the administration and supervision of the school.

Operationally, the Director reports to the Executive Director. The Rabbi provides advice and guidance in the educational activities of the Congregation. The Vice President for Education is the lay leader who provides oversight for the policies, procedures and budgetary issues of the school. The Director works closely with the Preschool Director and Youth Director to ensure consistent programming and continuity for the students and their families, and to provide a smooth transition among the grades and activities.

PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION
● Curriculum: Responsible for developing, planning and assessment of program of instruction for Religious School Grades K to 10, with future consideration given to post confirmation educational opportunities. Program of instruction should be designed to prioritize Jewish identity and culture, community, holidays and Hebrew instruction related to Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation (for those grade levels where relevant), and engage post B’nai Mitzvah students in furthering Jewish education with compelling topics. Responsible for identifying resources/approaches to develop Special Needs curriculum.
● Shabbattons/Family Events: Leads grade-level Shabbatons (including scheduling, planning and implementation) along with other family social activities and instructional programming.
● Mifgashim (“Encounters”): As a central component of our curriculum, coordinates and manages experiential program of instruction for grade-level mifgashim, including developing community relationships to identify and schedule volunteers to serve as experts/instructors for specialized programs as appropriate.

RITUAL COORDINATION
● B’nai Mitzvah Instruction: In collaboration with Rabbi, responsible for oversight of B’nai Mitzvah program of instruction.
● Student Religious Services: In coordination with Rabbi and Youth and Engagement Director, support and participate in religious services for elementary school-aged children for Shabbat, High Holidays and Festivals.

ADMINISTRATION
● Supervision: Responsible for recruiting, training, and evaluating Religious School staff, including Special Needs Coordinator (pending hire), B’nai Mitzvah instructor(s), leaders of student religious services, and Madrichim.
● Finance: Responsible for budget planning and oversight in consultation with the appropriate committees; manages payroll process for Religious School employees.
● Logistics: Responsible for developing and maintaining Religious School calendar and for coordination of physical plant for all Religious School classes and activities; also, responsible for oversight of student registration, enrollment, class and session placement.
● Communication: Responsible for communications with parents and families, synagogue staff, lay leadership and congregation as a whole; also, responsible for networking with community-at-large, both Jewish and non-Jewish.

QUALIFICATIONS
● Hebrew knowledge
● Knowledge of Jewish texts, customs and holidays
● Teaching and supervisory experience