Interim Director of Religious School Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, IL 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 is seeking an Interim Director of Religious School to provide steady, reliable leadership for our Religious School. This is a hands-on role focused on ensuring that the school runs smoothly, consistently, and with care supporting students, families, and faculty while maintaining the strength of our existing programs. The Interim Director will focus on execution over redesign, keeping systems in place, supporting teachers, and ensuring that all aspects of the school operate effectively during a period of transition. Key Responsibilities Day-to-Day School Operations • Oversee the smooth and consistent operation of the Religious School, ensuring that each school day runs effectively and on schedule. • Manage class coverage, substitutions, scheduling, and classroom needs. • Maintain clear and timely communication with families, teachers, and staff. • Ensure attendance, enrollment records, and school systems are accurate and up to date. Faculty Support & Supervision • Serve as the primary point of contact for teachers and teaching assistants. • Provide ongoing support, guidance, and troubleshooting for classroom and student needs. • Lead efficient and purposeful faculty meetings. • Help maintain a positive, professional, and collaborative faculty culture. Student & Family Support • Address day-to-day student concerns, including behavior, social dynamics, and basic learning needs. • Communicate proactively with families to ensure a supportive and responsive school environment. • Help ensure that students feel safe, welcomed, and engaged. Program Implementation • Execute existing curriculum and programs with consistency and care. • Support and oversee key school programs, including family education, holiday programming, and grade-level experiences. • Collaborate with clergy and staff to support High Holiday children’s programming and other synagogue-wide educational moments. Collaboration & Coordination • Work closely with clergy, professional staff, and lay leadership to ensure alignment and communication. • Coordinate with Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, Youth Engagement, Families with Young Children (FYC), and Club Spark as needed to support shared students and programming. • Participate in staff meetings and serve as a collaborative member of the professional team. Administration, Budget & Logistics • Monitor school spending and ensure that purchases and program costs remain within established budget parameters. • Track programmatic expenses, materials, and basic financial reporting in partnership with the finance team. • Oversee and submit payroll for teachers, including tracking hours and ensuring timely and accurate submission to the Director of Finance. • Ensure supplies, materials, and classroom needs are ordered and available as needed. Transition & Continuity • Maintain stability and continuity of programs, systems, and relationships during the interim period. • Document processes, systems, and key information to support long-term leadership. • Partner with synagogue leadership to ensure a smooth transition for the next Director of Religious School.
Qualifications • Experience in Jewish education, school leadership, or a related field. • Strong organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail. • Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond calmly in a fast-paced environment. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • A collaborative, flexible, and solutions-oriented approach. • Familiarity with Conservative Jewish practice and synagogue life preferred. Benefits & Structure • This is a temporary/interim position, with expected dates to be determined. • The position is 30 hours a week. • Salary is $60,000 commensurate with experience • Supportive and collaborative professional environment within a vibrant synagogue community.