Director of Religious School

Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, IL
Director of Religious School
Reports to: Senior Director of Learning and Engagement

Who We Are

Congregation Beth Shalom is a thriving, multigenerational Conservative synagogue of nearly 1,000
households, known for our warm spirit, innovative programming, and deep commitment to lifelong
Jewish learning. We are a community that celebrates together, learns together, and grows together. With
robust youth, family, adult education, and engagement initiatives, and a culture of creativity and
collaboration, Congregation Beth Shalom is a place where Jewish life is vibrant and meaningful.

Position Overview:
Congregation Beth Shalom seeks a forward-thinking Director of Religious School to lead our K–12
educational program and help shape the next generation of Jewish learning and engagement. As we
envision the future, CBS is exploring the potential to expand into Pre-K programming, building a
seamless Jewish educational pathway from early childhood through high school.
This role blends visionary leadership, partnership across departments, family-centered engagement,
and a passion for creating innovative, technology-supported learning experiences. The Director will
inspire curiosity, strengthen Jewish identity, and build vibrant connections across the entire
Congregation Beth Shalom community.

Key Responsibilities

Vision & Leadership

• Serve as instructional leader and educational innovator, modeling curiosity, collaboration, and
lifelong Jewish learning.
• Establish annual and long-term goals for the Religious School, including student learning
outcomes, enrollment growth, family participation, and community engagement.
• Develop strategic plans to achieve these goals and regularly assess progress.
• Collaborate closely with clergy, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, professional staff,
lay leadership, and the School Board.
• Partner intentionally with Families with Young Children (FYC), Youth Engagement, USY, Adult
Education, and Club Spark to create aligned, interconnected programming.
• Create, implement, and help lead High Holiday children’s services and programming, and
support other major synagogue events.
• Foster a culture of belonging, innovation, and continuous improvement among teachers,
students, and families.
Curriculum, Instruction & Technology
• Lead the ongoing development of innovative curriculum and robust learning experiences that
integrate text, ritual, Hebrew, culture, and contemporary relevance.
• Incorporate technology, digital platforms, and multimedia as tools for engagement and
accessibility.
• Develop and track individualized learning plans to support students with IEPs/504 plans,
diverse learning needs, or scheduling considerations.
• Create and oversee systems of assessment to track student growth and support data-informed
decision-making.
• Provide meaningful, ongoing professional development to teachers, encouraging instructional
excellence and innovative practice.
• Observe teachers regularly and offer coaching, mentorship, and growth-oriented feedback.
Community & Family Engagement
• Serve as a warm, welcoming presence at synagogue events, nurturing relationships that
strengthen the Congregation Beth Shalom community.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and caregivers as essential partners in their children's
Jewish learning.
• Collaborate with FYC, Youth Engagement, and Adult Education to design intergenerational
programs, family Shabbat experiences, and holiday celebrations.
• Coordinate educational elements for synagogue-wide programming to ensure consistency and
shared goals across departments.
Administration, Budget, & Organizational Leadership
• Supervise teachers, teaching assistants, madrichol (teen teaching assistants) and administrative
staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and mutual respect.
• Develop the annual Religious School budget in partnership with the Executive Director, Director
of Finance, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement and School Vice President.
• Confirm all school spending remains within budget, maintaining careful oversight of:
o Programmatic expenses and revenue,
o Materials and supplies purchased,
o Vendor payments,
o Fees and tuition reconciliation (in collaboration with the finance team).
• Oversee and submit payroll for Religious School teachers, including tracking hours worked and
ensuring that all payroll documentation is submitted accurately and in a timely manner to the
Director of Finance.
• Maintain enrollment records, class lists, attendance systems, and family communications with
accuracy and confidentiality.
• Work closely with the facilities and security team to ensure classrooms and shared spaces are
safe, organized, and inspiring.
• Attend synagogue staff meetings, School Board meetings, Board of Trustees meetings (as
requested), and serve as an active member of the CBS professional team.
Professional Growth & Development
• Commit to ongoing growth as a Jewish educational leader.
• Actively participate in professional networks including the Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA).
• Attend conferences, training, and coursework in areas such as pedagogy, curriculum design,
educational technology, family engagement, and leadership.
• Bring new learning and best practices back to enhance school programming and staff
development.
• Model lifelong learning for faculty by encouraging their participation in professional
development opportunities.
Work Hours
• Full time position. Schedule may vary depending on time of year and organizational activities.
Availability for Sundays, Tuesdays, Shabbat morning and occasional other nights and weekend
programs required.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Jewish Studies or similar degree required. Master's Degree in Jewish
Education or similar degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in Jewish education, including curriculum leadership, teacher
supervision, and program management.
• Strong foundation in Conservative Jewish practice, philosophy, and values.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Comfort with technology, data systems, and digital learning tools.
• Ability to balance visionary thinking with strong organizational, administrative, and financial
management skills.
• Creativity, flexibility, and a passion for building community and nurturing Jewish identity.
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)
• Health insurance coverage
• Potential for professional development funding for conferences, continuing education, and
leadership training
Salary: $80,000+ based on experience